La Cucina dell’Arte has been touring the international festival scene for a number of years. Created by Belgian brothers David and Danny Ronaldo, the sixth generation of a Belgian circus family, it consists of a slapstick comedy routine in the intimate setting of a fake Italian pizzeria. Containing a healthy dollop of vaudeville and commedia, the brothers appeal to nostalgic memories of old-school clowning and buffoonery.
The evening opens with the clown of the duo performing a balancing act as he scales a candelabra to light the candles for the restaurant’s opening. This is followed by the appearance of his humourless boss, as the pair begin to set up the restaurant for the evening’s meal.
Early on, two unsuspecting audience members are treated to the strangest ‘meal’ of their life when they’re pulled on stage for the duration of the show. Even the task of picking the participating female at the table is turned into a comedic routine, as the doe- eyed clown takes a fancy to another lady in the audience and frequently tries to gain her attention using various means.
The signature performance of the evening is the pizza-making routine, as the clown juggles and spins dough in an impossible manner before attempting to start a food fight with several audience members.
Like its performers, the show has a dated look. While routines such as the dough-tossing and candle-lighting are funny, they’re far too long. The length of the show was surely felt by the on-stage participants, particularly the volunteer cast member, whose main role involved sitting at a table as the clown made faces at her.
The choice of venue is also unfortunate. While the tent is ideal for the show and the set design is superb, La Cucina dell’Arte is simply too quiet for its location. Situated beside the entrance to the festival village in Hyde Park, nothing detracts from the authentic old-school circus experience quite as effectively as the DJ playing Basement Jaxx immediately outside.
The use of Italian is effective although the performers’ lack of proficiency in the language stands out at times. The score of stereotypical Italian trattoria music is beautifully presented by an impressive motorised carnival- cart orchestra.
The strong point of La Cucina Dell’Arte is its involvement with the audience. The show will appeal to those with romantic views of circuses past. It’s also a great family choice; recommended for children of ten and over, its humour is accessible and inoffensive for all-ages groups. Those looking for a stylish, unique festival show should look elsewhere.
Rating: 2 ½ stars out of 5
La Cucina Dell’Arte
By Circus Ronaldo
Cast: Danny and David Ronaldo
Circus Ronaldo Tent, Hyde Park
Sydney Festival
sydneyfestival.org.au/2014/All-Events/La-Cucina-DellArte/
9-19 January
