By Yaron Lifschitz and the Circa Ensemble. The Canberra Theatre Centre. 26 Feb 2015
With all the marketing hype surrounding this Brisbane-based circus troupe’s latest creation Beyond I must admit, having never seen them before, I was looking forward to having my mind blown.
Witnessing the rapturous response from the audience at the conclusion of this performance, I would say that many other people around me did in fact have their minds blown. However, sitting there in my seat I couldn’t help but wonder: “am I missing something?”
Many elements of a good show are present in Beyond, including technically astute and multi-gifted circus performers (Robbie Curtis, Bridie Hooper, Rowan Heydon-White, Kathryn O’Keeffe, Paul O’Keeffe, Skip Walker-Milne and Billie Wilson-Coffey), a quirky and eclectic soundtrack and some impressive feats of strength and gravity - but somehow it just doesn’t reach its full potential.
Perhaps it is the fact that the show is heavily steeped in the absurdist genre, which isn’t usually my cup of tea and something I often find either tedious or nightmarish. Absurdism, paired in this case with Circa’s avant-garde “stripped back circus of the heart” approach doesn’t translate into something overly engaging to watch.
In terms of motivation, it is briefly explained at the start that the performers will be crossing the line, “between human and animal, between madness and sanity, between logic and dream”. This being said, I find it intellectually lazy to then put on a few oversized bunny heads whilst doing circus tricks and call it ‘artistic exploration’.
It comes across as a little awkward and undercooked; a few concepts thrown around that fail to develop into anything really profound. It may be fine for amateur troupes, but at the professional level one expects to be moved and challenged.
There are, however, some lovely moments born from the interaction between the performers. The laid-back culture of warmth, trust and playfulness amongst them is really endearing. There is also no doubt about the enormous talent and impressive specialities each member of the troupe possesses; the level of equality in displays of strength between female and male members is especially inspiring.
The stage is divided into three deliberate spaces separated by Twin Peaks-esque red velvet curtains allowing swift changeovers between acts – a nice touch. The design adds a dynamic edge as well as allowing the production to flow in unpredictable directions.
Beyond is well suited to those taken in by the physical wonders and possibilities of the circus or a love of unbridled silliness (children come to mind); perhaps not so much if you are looking for a theatrical production with a powerful message. But, each to their own.
Deborah Hawke
When: Closed
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre
Bookings: Closed
