Gluttony – The Peacock, Sun 21 Feb

Trapped is a growing work from Vertical Insanity Circus, a local SA based ensemble. The work features a series of specialities from the performers, as well as tight and very effective group pieces, featuring hula hoops, skipping ropes, musical chairs and loads of gymnastics. Perhaps the most spectacular routine was a variant on fire-spinning, performed with little LED balls of changing colour rather than fire, but turn down the lights and it was a visual treat indeed with plenty of WOW factor.

Along the way many of the routines, while entertaining, tended to stand alone, rather than being easily understood to be a part of some larger whole, or scenes as part of a plot (and the show was advertised as exploring the idea of being Trapped as an individual in society).

One feature was a process of painting the person who had performed their specialty piece, which provided an interesting thematic element. There were also parts of the show where the performer went out of their way to connect to the audience in a more meaningful manner than the odd smile, this engagement could be more pronounced, but would also come with the addition of more plot devices.

The other elements that might be considered for more development are narrative and character, which will help keep the audience tuned into exactly what is happening and why. However, circus is the metaphor for the sense of freedom and life – and this they do very well indeed. There is plenty to like in Trapped and if these performers continue on this path, no doubt they’ll be doing great things in the near future.

Clayton Werner

Trapped continues at Gluttony – The Peacock from 5.20pm until Sun 28 Feb.

Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.

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Gluttony – The Peacock, Sun 21 Feb Trapped is a growing work from Vertical Insanity Circus, a local SA based ensemble. The work features a series of specialities from the performers, as well as tight and very effective group pieces, featuring hula hoops, skipping ropes, musical chairs and loads of gymnastics. Perhaps the most spectacular routine was a variant on fire-spinning, performed with little LED balls of changing colour rather than fire, but turn down the lights and it was a visual treat indeed with plenty of WOW factor. Along the way many of the routines, while entertaining, tended to stand alone, rather than being easily understood to be a part of some larger whole, or scenes as part of a plot (and the show was advertised as exploring the idea of being Trapped as an individual in society). One feature was a process of painting the person who had performed their specialty piece, which provided an interesting thematic element. There were also parts of the show where the performer went out of their way to connect to the audience in a more meaningful manner than the odd smile, this engagement could be more pronounced, but would also come with the addition of more plot devices. The other elements that might be considered for more development are narrative and character, which will help keep the audience tuned into exactly what is happening and why. However, circus is the metaphor for the sense of freedom and life – and this they do very well indeed. There is plenty to like in Trapped and if these performers continue on this path, no doubt they'll be doing great things in the near future. Clayton Werner Trapped continues at Gluttony – The Peacock from 5.20pm until Sun 28 Feb. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.

The Clothesline Rating...

Clayton Werner

Tight and effective group pieces

User Rating: 4.9 ( 1 votes)
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