The Palestinian Circus is a beautiful, skilled, and joyful celebration of Palestinian circus and art. In one short hour, the phenomenally multi-talented performers manage to fit in a huge array of acts, from juggling fire to aerial silks, all executed with near perfect precision. This is truly an uplifting and stunning performance.
The show moves seamlessly between energetic, upbeat group pieces and intense individual skilled acts, and the use of music and lighting effectively sets the tone for each. Behind the stage, a white backdrop serves as a canvas upon which the lighting projects the shadows of performers, amplifying their fluid, elegant lines, particularly in the aerial acts. This made for an absolutely captivating and visually-engaging performance.
Once the circus acts got started, it was impossible to look away. However the start was admittedly slightly slow. The performers enter the stage to erect the pole used in the first act, but their entrance doesn’t make it clear whether this is the start of the performance, or whether this is just pre-performance set up. As a result, the audience could not seem to decide whether to settle down and watch or continue talking. Nevertheless, this was soon forgotten as the show got underway.
The joy for art and performing that radiated from the cast was palpable, particularly in the more upbeat group moments, and this had the audience cheering and clapping along. The use of voice over in some acts, particularly the more intense and emotionally moving acts, was a brilliant way to convey a crucial and moving message alongside the skilled performance, and gave another dimension to a visually stunning show.
The Palestinian Circus is, without a doubt, an unmissable circus show and the central message—that joy and art are both forms of resistance—was moving and sincere. If you see one circus show this Fringe, make it this one.
The Palestinian Circus: Step and a Half is running until 29 August at The Lafayette at Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows. Buy tickets here.
Image courtesy of Alex Coley, provided as press material.
