CIRCUS

By Kinetica

30th January 2016

Review by Natasha Bloomfield

WA-based Kinetica’s Dark Matter is a stunning display of contemporary circus and aerial dance that interacts with theories of astrophysics and the nature of the universe. Intense live music and amazing lighting combine with breathtaking visual acts to create a performance that will leave Fringe-goers dizzy and breath-taken.

A stand-out performance is the solo aerial act. Performed as Eskmo’s “Cloudlight” pumps around a tent bathed in yellow and purple light, a performer dances and handstands whilst spinning through the air in a net suspended a foot off the ground. It is one of several performances that highlights the ‘mysterious gravitational effects’ the show seeks to explore.

Another outstanding moment is when a high-wire performer ascends a man-made mountain into a heavenly firmament of silks suspended from the roof. Meanwhile, an eclectic trio wearing animal masks take over the stage. Rebecca McMahon’s performance on the aerial hoop is also no less than mesmerising as she spins to Lorde’s cover of “Retrograde.”

The circus is a satisfying mix of solo and group performances. It has stunts that will make you hold your breath – such as when a performer intentionally plummets towards the stage – and others that will make you wonder if gravity affects everyone the same.

A beautiful balance of strength, flexibility, and freedom, Dark Matter adds a crucial spark to this season of Fringe.

Dark Matter runs from January 27 – February 1 at The West Australian Spiegeltent at the Pleasure Garden. You can catch more of Kinetica with their show Sinsuality,February 15 – 21. Tickets available here.