Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows – The Lafayette
Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows – The Lafayette As we enter The Lafayette big top, DJ Ori Lichtikand is playing killer beats on a hazy stage, an enormous red neon sign glows in the background and purple beams of light are scanning the crowd. This is the nightclub vibe chosen for Circa’s latest revamp of Peepshow. Those who have seen some of the company’s previous works, like Humans in 2019 and Humans 2.0 in 2022, will recognise the intensely physical trademark showcase of some of the world’s finest acrobats. Together with juggling, saucy hula hoops and a sassy…
Rating
Excellent
A saucy showcase of aerials and acrobatics turns The Lafayette into a sultry nightclub.
As we enter The Lafayette big top, DJ Ori Lichtikand is playing killer beats on a hazy stage, an enormous red neon sign glows in the background and purple beams of light are scanning the crowd. This is the nightclub vibe chosen for Circa’s latest revamp of Peepshow.
Those who have seen some of the company’s previous works, like Humans in 2019 and Humans 2.0 in 2022, will recognise the intensely physical trademark showcase of some of the world’s finest acrobats. Together with juggling, saucy hula hoops and a sassy hand-balancing act, one can expect plenty of muscular lifts and daring throws, presented this time with a rediscovered sultry edge.
The distinctive earthy tones used in the past for their costumes are on this occasion replaced by sequins, rhinestones, furs and many more inches of bare skin. A hint of burlesque is introduced to spice up the mix, but considering the 12+ suitability guideline it is a bit of a tightrope walk, and I can imagine parents having to face some awkward conversations afterwards.
This is circus of the highest quality, with artists so good that they make everything look easy. However, even under the big top, creatives have started to spoil us with content including a storyline, or at least a theme, that runs throughout. The motif of Circa’s Peepshow (Club Remix), although being very much what it says on the tin, loses its way on a few occasions. A change of tempo in the first aerial act stifles the initial excitement and doesn’t quite exploit the best of the sensual nature of the silks. After that, we are still given plenty of opportunities to let the adrenaline mount, as two more breath-taking aerial routines and even more gravity-defying human pyramids await us, but we can’t quite shake off the feeling that we’ve already moved into the afterparty.
Directed by: Yaron Lifschitz
Produced by: Underbelly and Circa Contemporary Circus
Circa’s Peepshow (Club Remix) plays at EdFringe 2023 until 26 August, 6:20pm at Underbelly’s Circus Hub. Further information and bookings here