Na Djinang Circus's 'Social Staples' - Review

Na Djinang Circus's 'Social Staples' - Review

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Posted 2018-10-10 by Chris Carvillfollow

Fri 21 Sep 2018 - Thu 27 Sep 2018

We (my wife, myself, our two pure, unadulterated sons), arrived at Gasworks Art Park half an hour early. Our casual conversion, turning to the evening ahead - as in, what the heck I'd actually roped my wife and kids into. To which I, once again, dismissed with, "circus-circus-it's-a-circus". Despite being specifically cautioned by the event organiser that adult themes were occasionally alluded to, plus a little coarse language contained, I'd decided to risk it all. I hesitantly entered the inner city foyer, to find a buzzing soiree of giddy chitchat. No particular age-group (as far as I could tell), nor particular brand of handbag, or dinner jacket. But a nice, diverse miscellany. A delight to behold, plus loud enough to thwart any discussion on the lack of (other) youngsters present. Oh jeepers, what had I done? As my palms began sweating, the entrance bell DONGED. Okay, deep breath now. Upon tentatively wandering into the hmm, fairly normal-looking theatre, even more in the dark...


The show began. Oh jeepers, please be good. As I gazed upon my poor, unknowing sons - rosy cheeks, innocent eyes - a handful of brightly costumed 20 something year olds burst onto the stage! Opening scene of...whatever this was, presenting a 'production line' of food cans, relayed with lightning speed from one performer to the next, before culminating into a large stockpile on downstage left - right in front of us. Oh my gosh, what is this? But as quick as my angst had peaked, it began dissipating as I marvelled at the jaw-dropping physicality on display. These zestful, vibrant, dynamic acrobats, breaking into an extravaganza of synchronized leaps, lunges, and balancing acts. Eye-opening feats, interspersed with sombre, yet succinct performances/speeches covering various issues. For instance, 'Fun Facts' - which fired interesting tidbits of information at us, gradually intensifying into one profoundly important message about domestic violence.


I was loving this. Albeit, feeling somewhat like a tennis umpire, as my eyeballs darted around the stage, so as to keep track of each superhuman manoeuvre. I didn't wanna miss anything. I was absolutely relishing this fast-paced spectacular. The whole thing, extraordinary - so I'll randomly select a few highlights: one of the well-groomed lads, curling, climbing, sliding down a rope - with absolute ease. A trio of formidable, gravity-defying ladies, providing a fiery performance that stylistically portrayed the plight of a rape victim. Before reuniting as a group, to delight us (as in, the fully engaged audience) with a masterfully constructed, impressively creative ode to indigenous Australians, which cleverly amalgamated Vegemite, feet, and carpet - you'll just have to see it. To say I enjoyed this is an understatement. Not only was I rescued from eternal persecution, but rewarded, even as a parent. How you ask? Because this daring, slightly left-of-centre creation espoused values I treasure: environmental conservation, gender equality, LGBT rights, respecting our indigenous heritage, and a fair go for all. What's more, the inventive, dramatic choreography on display was breathtaking! The timing, balance, strength, stamina, ability to contort oneself into freakish shapes, absolutely consummate, impeccable. I thoroughly recommend Na Djinang Circus 's 'Social Staples'. Oh, as for minors? Hmm, up to you.



Na Djinang Circus are performing at the Adelaide Fringe Festival , 5th to 17th March

#art
#circus
#theatre
#september
!date 21/09/2018 -- 27/09/2018
%wnmelbourne
183117 - 2023-06-16 02:06:52

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