Sydney Coliseum Theatre, Sydney.
July 4, 2024.
Brisbane contemporary circus Circa presented its work “Duck” pondheading to the Sydney Coliseum Theater this July. duck pond It is a creative interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s classic work, Swan Lake. Utilize a variety of circus equipment and techniques, duck pond Explore various themes in traditional works and put your own creative spin on them.
Artistic Director Yaron Lifschitz and the Circa team chose some key themes from the tradition Swan Lake story, and in the creative process, going deep into the lake, something really interesting emerged. There are ugly ducklings that transform into white swans, there are playful black swans, there are princes echoing Saint-Exupéry’s “The Little Prince”, there are also a group of ducklings that have replaced seals, the cutest yellow flippers and baggy clown pants. A very funny number was performed with the mops. The result is a circus production with all the wonderful elements of a fairy tale. The work is abstract but well-structured, with a mix of layers of ideas in each section, an interesting arrangement of swans and other themes, and a use of detail that leaves a deep impression on the work from a story perspective. Lifshitz uses humor, mystery and expert guidance to create a work that captivates and stimulates the imagination.
The soundtrack is alluring and a key part of the piece, using excerpts from the original score mixed with percussive tracks and dance beats. Considering that a series of movements were originally composed in the score, and that these movements have been used in different arrangements in the 150 years since its creation, Circa takes liberties with well-known themes and arranges them in the following way: adopting a sense of suspension (suitable for the circus genre ), and pulled it out, looping and weaving excerpts, adding to the airy feel that was already so important to Tchaikovsky’s score.
The costumes were a mix of black and white, with some gorgeous sparkly leotards, mini tutu-white swan/ugly duckling skirts that hung sometimes around the neck, sometimes around the waist. This seems to be a homage to the Commedia dell’arte and also to the classical tutu that was popular when it was first made. Swan Lake. The Ugly Duckling’s costume has some stunning gold glitter on it, the Duckling’s seal is yellow, and the background is the light strips hanging from the back and sides of the stage. Towards the end of the piece, when most of the performers are dressed in white, strips of material fall to the ground, the contrast of pure white against the pure black of the back of the bare stage space striking.
The choreography was interesting, each section had a different point and some scenes had some really good group choreography and use of space throughout. The duet work with the entire cast on stage sometimes changes from duet to trio and whole group, fast paced changes in structure, all catered to the dramatic and you can see this was taken into consideration in most of the production. It’s not just the various tricks and falls, modern dance is given a big say in this production, the acting and character work is also important, and most transitions are carefully choreographed. The energy of the actors was outstanding, there was light and shadow, each actor had a strong sense of character and the whole action was executed perfectly.
Once the frame of material strips falls, the work falls apart; it’s a completely different work, but only as a finale, not a second half. this Swan Lake The story is essentially over and the actors begin to clear the stage. They rolled up the floor, took off the costumes, and removed anything resembling a set, like you’d see in an indie dance production from the ’90s. They then went on to perform a number of other isolated scenes, which included basketball skills and a sierra wheel. They are great – these are professional circus performers – this equipment is their stock and trade. this Swan Lake The theme comes back a bit near the end, but the entire last section is completely disconnected from the first three-quarters of the show and seems unnecessary. A great sense of craftsmanship and story become a disjointed whole. It goes from a mature work to an experimental one, almost as if the two parts were directed by two different people.
this About The cast is very talented and, for the most part, the show is entertaining. There is a huge variety and something for everyone. There’s always a risk in taking on a story that’s told in countless ways, but About Successfully created something very interesting. This is a great show for all ages, with great technique, beautiful costumes and creative storytelling.
Author: Linda Badger Dance information.