Friday started off with Pants Down Circus with their ROCK circus show. Presented in the Assembly Palazzo Spiegeltent, which is in essence an intimate space, theatre in the round with no where for the performers to hide. I was impressed by the performers energy, commitment and enjoyment. They all looked comfortable on stage and as if it was just so much fun t be performing tricks and performing for the audience. As far as circus tricks go- the final trapeze act was impressive- a doubles acts which certainly made a few jaws drop! I also liked the more traditional circus arts coming out- it was nice to see juggling and clowning too. Overall an excellent way to start my Fringe experience for 2014!
Next up was Australian circus ensemble Circa with their show Beyond. Well, what can I say?! This show was unusually mind-blowing, due to its weird subject content. "Beyond" meaning exploring what's its like to go beyond the norm and beyond the body..... They certainly achieved that! Memorable moments were the super strong yet ever-so-bendy straps artist and quick paced and tense chinese pole group section. Madness! I left this show a little perplexed with its obscure nature but nevertheless thoroughly enjoyed it. Lyn Gardner ably reviews the show for The Guardian here:- http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2014/aug/22/edinburgh-festival-2014-review-circa-beyond
I went on to see Be-Dom, a Portuguese drumming act, whom much like Stomp, banged lots of things including their own bodies. I particularly enjoyed the body percussion section of the show- which was family fun and entertaining but for me- I would have liked to have seen more movement. At face value, it was enjoyable but the set (various instruments made from pieces of junk) could have done more. See the video above for a short taste.
Onwards, I then saw a show that, by far, was my pick of the Fringe this year. There is only one word to describe it and that it PHENOMENAL. A Simple Space, presented by yet another Australian act, Gravity and Other Myths, well and truly defies any words to sum it up. Here is what their website says about the work:-
Seven acrobats push their physical limits without reserve; this performance is simultaneously raw, frantic and delicate. Supported by driving live percussion and presented so intimately that you can feel the heat, hear every breath, and be immersed in every moment.
“Be prepared to have your breath taken away”
- Three Weeks
A Simple Space evokes real responses in audiences, something visceral rather than cerebral. Instead of fine-tuning the performance with makeup, lighting and contrived theatrical overlay, the cast have deliberately gone the opposite way. The audience is brought in close to surround the stripped back stage. In that space the acrobats are pushed to the physical limit, breaking down their usual guards and introducing the reality of failure and weakness. With nothing left to hide behind personal narratives come through naturally. This honesty is the essence behind A Simple Space.
“Stripped back and raw… an awe-inspiring display of strength, skill and creativity.”
– The Advertiser
I would agree with this 100%. This is by far and a way, the best piece of circus I have ever seen. Instead of me rambling on about it, here is the video which doesn't really sell the true worth of the piece, have a watch. It was intimate, fun, unnerving and so simple it was beautiful.
http://vimeo.com/91628782
From then on, everything was compared to A Simple Space, which to be fair, nothing was going to come close! HOWEVER, I then saw No Fit State Circus in their own Big Top. For the second year in a row, I watched BIANCO. I wasn't disappointed. This year, it was back, better than last year and even more jaw-dropping.
Watch a clip here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw-_y9Mf5no this show isn't for the faint hearted, with stunning trapeze, cloud swing, corde lisse and straps (loved watching Lincolnshire's very own August Dakteris), it was a real feast!
There were other notable shows, including Bromance presented by Barely Methodical Troupe as well as some hip hop and some contemporary dance. Too many more to review here. I would highly recommend anyone going to the Festival Fringe, it's one of those things everyone MUST do at least once in their life. Until next time.....
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