Backbone
Underbelly, Bistro Square
Dance, Physical Theatre and Circus
“A high-octane spree of physical virtuosity, Backbone tests the limits of strength: physical, emotional, individual and collective. Staged with a deceptively DIY aesthetic and dispensing of trickery and distraction, this is circus that goes straight for the jugular and leaves no viewer unmoved. Backbone is the culmination of all that’s gone before: a celebration of human connectedness and the meaning of strength, its athletic appeal is run through with a conceptual brilliance that elevates it to a new level. Sexy, sincere, raw yet disciplined, Backbone is proof you can’t do the impossible without spending a little sweat.”
Review by Richard Lambert, 5 Stars
Company name “Gravity and Other Myths” from Australia is such a suitable name. Very appropriate! No idea how they survive 1 show, never mind an entire festival doing this daily! It surpasses Cirque, Hofesh Shechter, in fact any of the younger companies that have sprung up and made it large! With real musicians playing the score even this would be more challenging than a canned score of predictable rhythm.
This is not a show based on other’s success. There are no Disney Song parodies here to use someone else’s creativity. This is all unique! Just look at the photos. The Set Design and Lighting Design are stunning! The usual lighting rules for Circus – don’t downlight when they’re upside down and aerial are all ignored. The performers appear indestructible in what they do to each other. Drop Kicks, leaping in the air, landing on their backs, throwing each other 3 storey’s high. Many companies have tried to do this but this os the one that excels.
On a stage covered in what looks like sand the performers fly, leap, roll, crawl, climb and achieve the unbelievable.
The video and photos speak for themselves.
Easily the best show on the Fringe!