This is a bold innovation. The Invisible Circus is an ensemble not usually seen in theatres; their natural territory has been in less traditional spaces, free from the constrictions of the proscenium arch. How then do they fare at Bristol Old Vic? Extraordinarily well, if the rapturous applause they received after last night’s performance is anything to go by.
Under the Dark Moon is a highly original show that explores the seven performers’ own experiences as a series of dark, interweaving fairy tales told through the medium of contemporary circus. Visually it has a restrained, cool beauty, making effective use of a subdued, near monochrome palette. The costumes have a gothic charm reminiscent of the films of Tim Burton, for like him, designer Wim Penhaul has found inspiration in German Expressionist cinema. This is the genre which in films such as The Cabinet of Dr Caligari and Nosferatu turned sharply away from conventional representations of reality to portray darkly shadowed and often deeply disturbing inner mental landscapes. The visual aesthetic of these films is entirely appropriate for what Invisible Circus describe as ‘a journey across a psychologically scorched dreamscape.’
Under the Dark Moon certainly does explore dark themes, but it is most definitely not gloomy. There is poignancy, but there’s much humour, too. In fact the whole show is joyous, for each performer’s tale, whether be of entrapment, of grief or of loneliness, ends in a cathartic, positive transformation expressed through astonishing physical ability. There’s astonishing bravery, too. The audience was collectively holding its breath as Justine Squire plummeted down the Chinese pole, sliding to a stop just inches from the stage. Dela Seward’s display of extraordinary strength and flexibility on the trapeze, sometimes hanging by just one foot, is another example of the uniformly high standard of circus skills on display.
The human frailties portrayed in the tales are often visualized very imaginatively: a man weighed down by his twisted and knotted thoughts appears in an ever-increasing tangle of ropes; a greedy girl who is never satisfied finds herself trapped in a huge jar of sweets. A particularly beautiful moment comes when a mother mourning the loss of a child seeks its soul by soaring into the sky, borne aloft by a flock of ravens.
Doug Francis is excellent as The Story Teller, quickly establishing a wickedly sardonic relationship with the audience, and the five on-stage musicians contribute greatly to the changing moods, performing on an impressively eclectic range of instruments.
The interweaving of the tales is initially a little too fragmented and the show takes a while to get into its stride, but when it reaches top speed it is full of energy and inventiveness. Director Sarah Fielding has said that her hope is that Under the Dark Moon is ‘a celebration of life in all of its perverse, ludicrous glory.’ It certainly is. Catch it if you can. ★★★★☆ Mike Whitton
