Forget everything you think you know about the circus—this act will leave you shell-shocked, your mind scrambling to recover for a full 10 minutes after the performers take their final bow.
Gravity and Other Myths are pioneers of contemporary circus in Australia, redefining the boundaries of circus as an art form. Contemporary circus reimagines traditional circus format, blending acrobatics, physical theatre, and storytelling in innovative ways. It usually incorporates live music and minimalist design aspects like staging, costumes, and makeup.
In A Simple Space, backed by the driving rhythm of a live percussionist, acrobats push their physical limits repeatedly and with complete abandon. The performance left me reeling— not from extravagant costumes, makeup, or contrived theatrical overlay, but from the creative choice to strip it all back and showcase the raw, unfiltered brilliance of acrobats who were nothing short of extraordinary.
What truly sets this production apart was how the performers carried themselves with such a casual, easy-going demeanour that it was almost disarming. Their relaxed presence, even as they fell from great heights, flipped through the air, and balanced effortlessly on each other’s shoulders, only amplified the impressiveness of their feats. They made the impossible look effortless.
Due to its ‘stripped-back nature,’ this is a deeply immersive experience; you can literally feel the sweat and hear every breath the performers take. The audience was pulled into the performers’ world by being invited to actively participate in a way that felt natural and engaging, without the pressure of stepping on stage, while still creating a sense of connection.
A refreshing aspect of this production was its departure from the traditional circus norm of portraying female performers as merely ‘angelic’ or ‘decorative.’ In A Simple Space, the women commanded attention with their remarkable strength and skill, taking centre stage in a way that was both empowering and deeply refreshing.
While A Simple Space was largely captivating, one moment fell short. The drummer’s shirtless rhythm performance, intended to be humorous, felt poorly executed and disjointed. It was difficult to hear and lacked the cohesion that defined the rest of the show.
That said, the true strength of A Simple Space lies in the celebration of raw human capability and genuine connection. By stripping away the glitz, true magic is witnessed through the courage, strength, and playfulness of the performers. It’s an intimate, authentic, and awe-inspiring experience.
Don’t let this high-flying act pass you by—A Simple Space is a show you’ll flip over!
SINEAD HARTE
A Simple Space is presented by Gravity and Other Myths and FRINGE WORLD and runs from 17 Jan – 16 Feb 2025 at The Aurora Spiegeltent at The Pleasure Garden. For tickets and more information, click here.
