Cantina is said to test the boundaries of relationships between men and women in a dark, rapturous mélange of circus meets sideshow frivolity wrapped up in cheerful 1930’s tea dresses and waistcoats. But don’t let this fool you. These performers are as talented and tough as they come. There are definitely no cheap tricks and overly sunny demeanors here.
This intriguing show is packed full of bite, delivered by seven skillful international physical theatre artisans (from Circus Oz, Acrobat, Circa and Circus Cirkor) who dazzle the audience with a series of craftily produced stunts. Performers include Henna Kaikula, the incredible bendy woman from Finland; David, an exceptional acrobat who has been in circuses since he was 11 years old; and Nara Demasson, the instrument-maker and musical director whose aural elements add ambiance and mood.
What most delights about this lo-fi performance is that each element of the production could have easily been seen on stage one hundred years ago. Cantina ably demonstrates that a lack of contemporary technology does not equal a less fascinating performance.
Tightrope in stilettos, sadistic acts on roller skates, eye-watering contortion and cheeky vaudeville spectacles are peppered with witty roleplays and Charleston dancing. All this is accompanied by a cleverly composed live score nodding to past and present musical influences, performed on antiquated instruments played by the performers themselves. Talk about serious multi-taskers!
Co-directed by Scott Maidment and Chelsea McGuffin (of Smoke & Mirrors), Cantina has just enjoyed a five month stint wooing unsuspecting audiences on London’s Southbank. Let’s just say this would definitely have solidified the British opinion of their charming, adventurous and somewhat mischievous cousin down under. As for local audiences, three rounds of enthusiastic drumming of the Spiegeltent’s floorboards on opening night at the Sydney Festival signals a great future for Cantina on home turf.
Rating 4 stars of 5 stars
Cantina
The Famous Spiegeltent, Hyde Park
8 – 27 January
Sydney Festival 2013
www.sydneyfestival.org.au
5 – 27 January
