Historically
a Wunderkammer was a piece of German furniture that also seems to
have many other names but one purpose: to fascinate. It was also
known as a Cabinet of Curiosities, Kunstkabinett,
Kunstkammer,
Cabinets of Wonder, or Wonder room. Friends and family would come
round and be amazed at all the crazy collections of curiosities one
had assembled and would talk for hours over what they were being
shown.
So
it is with Australia's modern day circus company Circa founded by
Yaron Lifschitz and their show Wunderkammer. It is crazy, utterly
riveting, deeply curious, brave and far more fascinating than any
fleeting firework display happening outside the Curve theatre on this
bonfire night.
The
troupe has seven astonishingly talented performers, both men and
women and for a non-stop eighty-five minutes the transfixed audience
are in genuine wonder at a fluid fusion of contemporary circus. Their
work is a breathless cocktail of circus arts, often done with much
humour and sexiness, a mix of dance, acrobatics, trapeze work,
cabaret, vaudeville and burlesque. Their innovative circus work also
has one key element – danger. Whilst the performers are tumbling
and flying across the bare stage with well practised and very highly
skilled ease we are constantly aware that this is a dangerous art and
thrilling with it.
The
show is a series of set pieces performed either as a single artiste,
a selection of artistes or the whole ensemble. Alas, I have no names
to share as there was no programme. The Curve audience lap up every
second and appreciative applause, gasps of amazement and much
laughter for every wonderful display are constants throughout the
show. It is truly a show you want to go on for hours. Utterly
amazing, poetic and utterly unique. Circa Wunderkammer is at Curve
until 8th
November.
Review originally for The Public Reviews Nov 5th 2014
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