Collision

Something magical occurs when performers put their all into a show. Everyone in the room feels it as a form of energy exchange. In Collision Casus Circus and Mad Dance House have combined their skills to bring you that magical energy in bucketloads. They’re astounding audiences at the New Benner Theatre at Brisbane’s Metro Arts’ shiny new West End location until July 18th.

During the show you’ll see three superb circus performers and three energetic urban street dancers pop, lock, flip, flex and contort. Their bodies are capable of jaw-dropping feats that will find you whooping and applauding throughout the whole show. It’s all set to a toe-tapping soundtrack that includes contemporary and retro music across hip hop, soul, and funk genres.

Choreography by Ché Pritchard is superbly entertaining. There’s a lot of fun and physical comedy in the acts, which take the form of a variety of short segments. Each segment allows one or two of the performers to really shine on their own and showcase their talents. There are hoola hoop acts, B boy dancing, acrobatics, balancing, mime-juggling, tumbling, acrobalance and adagio, aerial rope and even a little bit of sleight of hand magic.

Performers Amy Stuart, Riley Colquist, Ela Bartilimo, Wanida Serce, Sam Evans and Ben Garcia should all be commended for their outstanding efforts. It’s impossible to choose one stand-out as they all give the show 100 percent. Most delightfully, you can really tell they love doing what they do. The joy is palpable in Collision. Director Natano Fa’anana really has nurtured some wonderful talent and allowed them the space to shine, take risks and astound the crowd.

It’s no surprise the production team has added an extra show to the season’s short run. The packed opening night crowd gave them a well-deserved standing ovation. This is excellent and thrilling physical entertainment by dedicated performers.

Kitty Goodall