Through a large door. I enter a cavernous shell resembling an aircraft carrier. Hanging apparatus lie inactive waiting for life to be breathed into them. Performers dressed in civilian clothes, as opposed to full on costumes, dot the expansive area. Initially, they hover about creating an energy.

There is an expectant and excited air about the place as people arrive and clamber to claim a highly sort after seat. There are only a handful of them. If you are one of the lucky ones to get a seat great, otherwise the only other option is to curl up on a crash mat on the floor.  

And the people keep pouring in. Where are they all going to sit? The now capacity large audience made up of adults and teenagers huddle together like wide eyed kindergarten children on the mat. A show begins.

This is the first public performance of emerging circus artists in their new premises as they showcase their work. A take it as it is, no fuss, no frills one-off  raw performance with koha exit as part of the Fringe Festival.

Clearly lacking in good production support of lighting, sound and seating, one can see that the business and building is also still emerging. Aptly named as Raw Circus, it is again as it is, raw. There is a warm thriving community feel to it however as the acts come and go. The audience enjoys. 

Unfortunately due to the lack of a printed programme or announcement, I am unable to credit the credible and noteworthy performers. Yet under the circumstance, I still feel it important to mention their acts:

• As he opens the show, a man dressed in a bright purple suit, quite unusually contorts himself whilst playing a violin.  
• Two teenagers entwine themselves stealth fully in a double trapeze act. 
• A young man executes a credible balancing act on a stack of chairs.
• Multiple hula hoops swirl around agile bodies.
• A graceful girl uses a heavy chain as movable counter lever to pirouette and pulse herself away from the floor.
• Aided by long scarlet tissue in a dramatic strength challenge, a girl defies gravity and belies blind faith.

The star act however is a double Chinese Pole act as two guys twist, twirl, bounce and leap at a great height from pole to pole like young Tarzans in a jungle 

I look forward to the day that they are able to display their joy and skills in an environment that sets them loftier footing and I am also hoping that Wellington gets behind this venture so that they can really soar.

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