On a blue glowing diamond stage, a beam of light drops from the ceiling, shining over a contorted shape bent backwards. As the show begins, the figure is uncovered as a slithering performer being drawn towards and then distanced from the light.
The Helpmann Award-winning production of S by Circa is a revolutionary approach to circuses, challenging how circus acrobats are generally interpreted, predominately as just one component of an assembly of clowns, trained animals and ringmaster, all under a big top.
The theme of the show is inspired by the shape, grammatical functions and sound of the 19th letter of the alphabet, ‘S’. The minimalist stage, costume and apparatuses carry through the stripped-back premise, ensuring focus remains on acrobatic skill and body manipulation, as the ensemble of seven are pushed to their physical and emotional limits.
With performance pieces compiled from the whole ensemble of doubles, trios, quartets and singles, each act moves seamlessly on to the next, with the effect that has the audiences’ eyes fixated on the stage to avoid missing a changeover of routine.
Male performers wear black pants and shorts, and females are in black leotards, with each outfit having small variations, another demonstration of Circa’s departure from traditional circus’s identical sequin-clad uniforms.
The seven acrobats work perfectly as one, but also excel as individuals. In particular, Kimberley Rossi and Duncan West have a prepossessing authority on stage. Rossi’s abilities as a contortionist, and the opening and closing scenes’ creative body, has the audience audibly stunned and speechless. West’s strength and abilities hanging and twisting suspended from two descending ropes is remarkable.
The degrees of difficulty traversed are astounding: the aerial silk acrobatics is flawlessly executed and when Rossi slowly spins her body down the fabric from meters above, the entire performance is elevated to pure artistry. The simple use of a bowl of water to demonstrate balance is beautifully accomplished yet further returns Circa to the basics. The heavy breathing often heard by performers adds authenticity to the show, a welcome contrast to the often perfect facade maintained by professional performers.
The origins of acrobatics, in traditional travelling circuses, are not forgotten, as roles such as the contortionist, the strong-man and the hoop-girl are subtly incorporated. Music provided by Kimmo Pohjonen, Samuli Kosminen and the Kronos Quartet complement the routines, as the build and increasing pace of sound acts as a navigation tool for the performance’s atmosphere.
While the theme of ‘S’ is subtly represented at times, with twisted S-shaped performers, music effects and manifestations of speed and strength, it is not a consistent presence. Into the second part of the performance, most viewers have long forgotten the theme of the production, which is perhaps ill-advisably promoted as the basis of the performances meaning.
S by Circa has a surprising amount of humour residing in its 85 minutes, a probable nod to its origin in circus entertainment. However, the balance between humour and serious performance is not always sustained.
The act with the microphone attached to Casey Douglas’s chest and inside his mouth, while clever, is not without its awkward and perplexing moments. As the atmosphere quickly switches from tense to light-hearted, unfortunately the sporadic change of moods struggles to match the impact of the opening scene.
Rating: 3 ½ out of 5 stars
S by Circa
Presented by Darebin Arts’ Speakeasy
Director: Yaron Lifschitz
Producer: Danielle Kelly
Lighting Designer/Technical Director: Jason Organ
Costume Designer: Libby McDonnell
Music: Kronos Quartet, Kimmo Pohjonen and Samuli Kosminen
Additional Music and Sound: Purcell, Viñao, Múm and the cast
Ensemble: Nathan Boyle, Jessica Connell, Casey Douglas, Daniel O’Brien, Brittannie Portelli, Kimberly Rossi and Duncan West
Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre
www.darebinartscentre.com.au
27 – 29 May
