‘Leap of Faith: Circus in Motion’

*pic source*

Final year students from NICA take a ‘Leap of Faith’, showcasing their efforts, training and finesse, inviting you to enjoy, critique and awe at their contemporary circus offer. This is one circus you cannot simply just sit back and spectate. You are visually and constantly demanded to put aside what gravity and physics dictates as possible for the human body and instead be immersed into a world of dance, disbelief and danger.

Artistic Director Matthew Jessner, whose most recognizable work is that of Cirque du Soleil, is no foreigner to delivering an engaging theatrical performance. As you walk in to take a seat, an overly cheery cleaner sweeps up and down the stairs, giving you that odd wink that they will be back. However before you can discern how their comedic role or relief will unfold, the audience instinctively quiets down as their eyes are cast onto mysterious triangular ascending nets. Without any spoken words, Jessner directs the audience, arousing their curiosity as to what can be its contents. One this is for sure though, the nets are unmistakably moving, breathing, alive.

The show has started.

Throughout the night there is clever and strategic use of space, video art, lighting and sound. Projected visuals and backdrops create the illusion of pulling you physically into the stage; whilst deliberate soundscapes from water droplets to children’s laugher to hyperactive rhythms trigger strong emotive responses ranging tranquility to adrenaline rushes. Furthermore, the combination of it all immerses you deeper still into the magical realm of circus.

As the performers 24 in number each present their craft, there is an induced sense of fear in the viewer as you take that leap of faith, trusting there will be a non-blood-splattering delivery despite many feats being suspended five meters and more above the ground. It is everything you can imagine about circus and more – hoops, balance, dance, ropes, trapeze, juggling, poles, acrobatics, mime to free fall. Jesser has set out and achieved his claim that the show is all about the  “…instinctive moment when it all has to converge and manifest as theatrical action”. If ‘Leap of Faith’ does not leave you walking out gobsmacked which a contagious spring in your step, I don’t know what else would.

The bottom line - Elite Elegance; Exceeds Expectations.

‘Leap of Faith: Circus in Motion’
April 4^th – 13^th 2013
NICA National Circus Centre
41 Green St, Prahran