[CIRCUS AND PHYSICAL THEATRE/PERFORMANCE ART ~ INT]
by Claire Hutchinson.
Fuego Carnal have been winning 5 star reviews at the Perth Fringe World 2019 and Fringe Best Circus award, and they’re about to descend on Adelaide. If you want to see some world class circus skills on display, head down to Gluttony to catch Fuego Carnal. We speak to Sophie and Jacob, performers and designers of the show, via email, to find out more about the show.
Tell us about your show and what it’s all about. How many artists are in the show this year?
“Fuego Carnal is a showcase of phenomenal high-risk arts from around the globe, this year there are 11 artists in the cast.”
How long does it take you to put a show together? And what new performances / acts do you have for fringe this year?
“It takes all the time we have plus five minutes to put the show together!
“This year we have the duo named as the most dangerous act in the world by Simon Cowell, golden buzzer winners of America’s Got Talent Champions Deadly Games they are primarily a knife throwing act but their act is heart stopping! Also most of the acts from last year that are still in the show are doing completely new acts, or have new even more hair-raising skills that they have added to their acts.”
It all looks quite scary – Has anything gone seriously wrong during a performance?
“No, what we do in our performances is absolutely cutting edge, but still within the comfortable limits of the performers… training the new acts is a different story.”
Do the guys wax or just burn off their body hair? Or have any of the female performers accidentally set their hair on fire?
“That is a performer by performer question re wax or burn. But Dream State actually used to set Jacob’s hair on fire every show just for the laugh it got! I have definitely set my hair on fire in my 20 year fire career, but now I always wet it before I perform.”
Do any of the performers have superstitious routines they need to do before a show?
“We all have a big set up and series of pre-show preparations that we do; stretching, meditating, make up, preparing all our equipment, getting dressed in costume, voice warm ups etc. is all part of the present show warm up. It tends to be very methodical, so that nothing is missed out. I take about three hours to prepare for my role in Fuego, not including stretching.”
As you travel around the world, is it the same group of people or do you include different performers in different countries? Are any of them from Adelaide or South Australia?
“We each travel as individuals, or couples, with our own schedule of contracts for different shows, and events.”
What is your favourite part of the show? And what part do you think is the most fraught with danger?
“There are actually so many, I don’t have a favourite part, I truly believe that any of the acts we have could finale the show, that is why we contract them, they are all world class within their field, but the sword swallow silk drop has to be one of the most scary.
If your life were a movie, which one would it be?
“The Greatest Showman. Watching that movie was like watching aspects of my life, and I adore the sound track.”
Do you think you’ll have any time to check out any of the sights of Adelaide? What would you like to go see?
“We have been here many times and have family here, so we have been out into the hills and Hahndorf, and the beach’s etc., but if any of our audiences wants to recommend us places to go we all love nature and the beauty of it and you can’t beat local knowledge!”
What is the most (non-work) adventurous thing you have ever done?
“I think this could be an amazing book for all of the performers in our cast. We all love adventure, many of us have skydived, and climb and trek and dive and enjoy other water sports, and cycle and explore this beautiful strange and wonderful planet of ours.”
If you could have any super power, what would it be?
“To be able to change into any animal, therefore being able to fly and swim and free dive and explore the full beauty of this planet, without causing environmental harm.”
Is your MC really Spanish?!
“She has travelled the world continuously her whole life, she has Spanish parents who performed and travelled, and believes you are a percentage of each country you have lived in. She has spent much time in Spain and South America, but has lived and worked in over 40 countries, including getting married and living in Thailand for four years. She now lives with her Australian husband in Cairns, QLD, when not touring.”
How did you come up with the name Fuego Carnal and what does it mean?
“Fuego is fire and Carnal is like family blood or blood brothers. The direct translation in South America is ‘Got a light, brother’ if you needed to borrow a match or lighter from someone.”
You perform 1-2 shows a day, what do you do with the rest of your time?
“Prepare, rest and spent time with family and friends, look for good food places, train and exercise, and try and catch as many other shows and events that are happening while we are in Adelaide, each of the performers have different interests.”
Have you tried the Adelaide delicacy known as a “pie floater”?
“No, I have no idea what that is??”
What do you recommend for burns?
“Depends what type of burn (go see a doctor disclaimer). For us we use paw paw or aloe vera. If it is a minor skin burn, I just have a really hot shower – which stings like crazy – but after the shower it doesn’t hurt anymore. For more serious burns, we follow medical advice!”
How many countries do you perform in each year?
“Depends on the year and the performers, but many.”
Fuego Carnal performs at Gluttony – The Empyrean, at various times, from Fri Mar 1 until Sun 17 Mar.
Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.
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