Stand Here presented by Tons of Sense - Review
Post
Subscribe
Fri 23 Feb 2018
I recently had the pleasure of attending the inaugural live performance by Melbourne acrobatic collective
Tons of Sense . Their show
Stand Here is an immersive circus experience like no other, featuring seven talented women.
The venue for the performance was the Testing Grounds in Southbank. If you're not familiar with the venue, it's a fairly large open space, partially covered with shade sails, that is used for a variety of events, including photographic and art exhibitions as well as live performance.
The open ranging nature of the Testing Grounds provided Tons of Sense with the opportunity to produce a circus with a difference - a performance that moved between various locations, bringing the audience along with it. At times, there were several acts being performed simultaneously, forcing audience members to stay vigilant lest they missed some of the action.
There was a soft opening to
Stand Here, with performer Sarah Gray perched above the audience in a gravity-defying 'window washing' performance. So soft was it that some audience members seemed unaware it was going on! All the audience did become engaged, however, when Latonya Wigginton, manager of Tons of Sense, took to the stage and officially introduced the show, all the while twirling hula hoops (and may I say she seemingly twirls the hoops as naturally as most people walk!).
In another 'hair-raising' act, performer Zoe Marshall is literally suspended by her hair. It's impressive, while at some level also slightly disturbing, to see her gently rotate, at times with legs straight, and at times legs tucked, completely supported by her hair.
In the finale sequence, performed on a round mat with the audience crowding around, the ensemble came together, twisting, climbing and bending their way into some amazing shapes and structures, in a jaw-dropping display.
It was a thoroughly engaging and enjoyable one-hour performance.
Talking later with Latonya Wigginton, I asked what her inspiration had been for forming Tons of Sense:
I founded Tons of Sense because I could see a need in the entertainment industry, specifically in circus, for women's stories to be told and wanted to form a platform for them to be heard. I have always loved the creativity and freedom that circus offers as an artform and am forever greatful of the opportunities that have enabled me to turn my practice into a career.
Alas, if you missed
Stand Here last week, I can't yet tell you when the next performance will be. When I asked Latonya Wigginton when they would next perform, she replied that their next project was not going to be a performance. It will be a photo collaboration with
Eco Angel - makers of biodegradable glitter - and clothing brand
Fantom Wear on how to more sustainably celebrate at festivals. Tons of Sense will however be looking for other opportunities to stage
Stand Here.
Tons of Sense has previously been involved in a range of other projects, which you can check out
here .
This clip will give you an idea of the style and physicality of this group:
So do make sure you join Tons of Sense's
Facebook page , and catch them next time they're doing a public performance.
In the meantime, if you have a project needing a troupe of fit, talented, extremely athletic performers, shoot them an email at
[email protected].
All images in this article were taken by the writer.
#cbd
#circus
#city
#performing_arts
#theatre_reviews
#february
!date 23/02/2018 -- 23/02/2018
%wnmelbourne
157565 - 2023-06-14 13:57:03