Dave, Eric, thanks for your replies.
The project file I’m using is a collection of different sequences, each of which varies in complexity, but they’re all formed out of animated shapes. By reading Eric’s comments on vector files (not .ai, but maybe shapes work in a similar way?) I’m thinking that might be the case.
Dave, I can’t give specific numbers, but it is impossible to work in close-to real time fps even lowering the resolution to 16×16 lines…
Here is a screenshot of what one of the sequences look like, maybe 79 layers is too much?

Thanks again!