Melbourne Fringe – Casus Circus: ReStrung

Casus Circus RestrungGood theatre should always be asking questions, exploring. Questions such as, what if an acrobatic routine wasn’t designed to solely be a clinical display of silent, clean movements? What if we heard every clap of hands on skin, heard every breath? What if we showed each touch, every trembling-yet-strong limb, each moment of eye contact and connection? What then?

In case of Restrung, you get something marvellous. The ensemble from Casus Circus – Jesse Scott, Natano Faanana, Lachlan Mcaulay, Abbey Church, and Kali Retallack – have worked to craft a beautiful acrobatic whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. A wee stage, five bodies, live music by the wonderful Helen Clark, three or four dozen eggs, have been crafted and curated into a compelling hour of physical theatre and storytelling.

There was a quality to the way the performers would meet each other’s eyes and grin that was more intimate than any show of skin or sweat. It also spoke to the quality of the ensemble that they were able to adjust so quickly when Abbey retired hurt, never giving the impression that what you saw afterward was anything other than what had always been rehearsed.

Whether gasp-inducing routines from the ceiling, or a guitar versus body-percussion duel down on the stage, ReStrung explores a myriad of ways the human body can search for connection, while entertaining the audience as well. 4.5 hearts-in-mouth out of 5.

Melbourne Fringe – Casus Circus: ReStrung
The Melba Spiegeltent, 35 Johnston Street, Collingwood
Performance: Friday 16 September 2016 – 6.30pm
Season continues to 25 September 2016
Information and Bookings: www.melbournefringe.com.au

Image: Jesse Scott in ReStrung by Casus Circus (supplied)

Review: David Collins