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Circolombia

  • Theatre, Circuses
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
  1. © David Levene
    © David Levene

    'Circolombia'

  2. © David Levene
    © David Levene

    'Circolombia'

  3. © David Levene
    © David Levene

    'Circolombia'

  4. © David Levene
    © David Levene

    'Circolombia'

  5. © David Levene
    © David Levene

    'Circolombia'

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Time Out says

4 out of 5 stars

Colombia's raucous circus company Circolombia's latest is has high-risk street-level flair.

Dangling from the Roundhouse’s domed ceiling, high above us, a performer caught in a spotlight calmly lets go of her rope. We gasp as she falls into darkness. Returning to the venue after rocking it a few years ago, Colombia-based circus troupe Circolombia pull this stunt twice in their new show. There might be a crash pad down there in the dark but, guaranteed, it’ll get you each time.

The reason for this is the high-risk, street-level feel of the rest of ‘Acelere’. While there’s definitely a theatrical flair to the moody lighting and pulsing soundtrack, this is muscular, stripped-back circus – an adrenalin-fuelled mix of strength, skill and daring. There’s breath-held anticipation when one performer backflips into the air, before landing on the clasped hands of others.

The drama comes from the moments when there’s a slight stumble and a rueful smile is shot in our direction – in the near misses, we appreciate the achievements even more. And it’s all done with a sense of fun that fizzes off the stage. The space quite literally becomes a playground: the trapeze is restyled as a swing and acts take place on a seesaw.

The show’s theme is loosely about remembering to live in the moment, and director Renato Rocha channels this into acts that push against and break out of crowds of people or – as with the aerial acrobatics – achieve a kind of hypnotic rhythm. Even the sporadic bursts of philosophising narration bring their own weird sense of calm.
That said, there are times when ‘Acelere’ doesn’t so much change pace as lose momentum. In spite of some exuberant singing and rapping to cover the gaps, the show drifts a little between its set pieces. But that doesn’t stop it being a great night out. Just let yourself go, and fall with it.

Details

Event website:
www.roundhouse.org.uk
Address:
Price:
£15-£29.50
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