BY A THREAD
21/10/2018 - 22/10/2018
Production Details
Using the simple apparatus of a rope and pulley, and the physics of counterweight, tension, muscle and flight, By a Thread is a visually rich, imaginative display of cutting-edge acrobatics from seven of Australia’s best emerging circus artists.
This show offers unique insight into the workings of an ensemble, the dangers intrinsic to the art form and the counterpoint of joy in challenging the risk, alongside the intimacy of human experience.
For the rope is a physical manifestation of the trust implicit in any relationship, acrobatic or otherwise. The performers use this metaphor for connectedness to explore the give and take, balance, and dynamics of relating to one another.
Beautifully choreographed, brilliantly executed, “By a Thread brings a unique depth to the heights of aerobatic display.” (Australian Stage).
Note: Tickets for all performances at the MTG Century Theatre and Napier Municipal Theatre can also be purchased directly from Ticketek at www.ticketek.co.nz – freephone 0800 842 538, or by visiting the Napier Municipal Theatre box office, 119 Tennyson Street, Napier. (Additional charges and credit card fees may apply).
Napier Municipal Theatre
Sunday 21 Oct 2018 at 7pm
Monday 22nd Oct at 11:00am
Adult: $52
Concession: $47
Child – 16 and under: $35
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Theatre , Cirque-aerial-theatre ,
1 hr
Moving, funny and exhilarating
Review by Kate Tarrant 22nd Oct 2018
By A Thread opens with a thick rope on pulleys simply lit on the stage. This introduces the entire set, props and in many ways, character of this show.
Quite a departure from the spectacle associated with traditional circus styles, there is no gaudy makeup or striped jumpsuits here and not a frilly knicker to be seen. Instead the actors emerge in super stretchy skinny jeans and pale coloured singlets. With this less-is-more theatrical approach there is nowhere to hide, no gimmicks or illusions only bodies, space – and a very large rope.
There is an honesty and integrity to the work, not to mention a very high level of acrobatic skill. The performers push these simple elements to the extreme with bodies up, down and through the space as well as climbing over each other like jungle gyms. The work demonstrates the extreme agility, strength and grace of the performers. A simple score enhances the work which often feels more like a contemporary dance piece than an acrobatic show.
The narrative, too, is paired right back. The company have resisted adding storylines to the scenes; rather they let the physical work play out so the audience can find the drama in the dynamics of movement. The metaphor the rope offers for connections in a variety of human relationships is very rich and at times moving, funny and exhilarating.
To strip the show back to such simple elements is a risk but the audience remains engaged. Even children in the audience have no difficulty to sustaining their interest for the 50 minute duration of the show. There is a strong sense of ensemble in the company relying on each other for counterbalance and safety. This lot know each other well and they have each other’s backs.
On the rare moments when the routine does not go exactly to plan it is met not by a grimace but a gentle smile and a knowing glance between performers as the show continues seamlessly. This level of effortlessness is the product of a lot of hard work.
This is a fresh, engagaing and thoroughly modern performance. Like all good Festival shows this is a unique opportunity. You won’t get to see anything quite like this again.
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