ONEIRIC

ONEIRIC creatively balanced the tension between highlighting individual skills and presenting a coherent group performance. The wonderful, disciplined group choreography in ONEIRIC was designed and directed by Edgar Zendeas and added a strong frame to the display of individual skills. Two towers with paintings of intertwined bodies and long white curtains provided useful elements and a strong though unobtrusive backdrop.

Highly developed circus skills were demonstrated by everyone in the group. The skills included low tightrope, pole climbing with heart thumping drops, juggling, aerial ropes, hoops, group acrobatics, hula hoops, whip, cyr wheel, high swing, single and double diablo, and displays of strength, flexibility and balance. A group sequence on the tetter board with strong gymnastic elements was remarkable and drew an “oh!” From the audience.

Equipment changes, lighting and some video sequences were seamlessly integrated into the performance. Costume design students from Melbourne Polytechnic also contributed to the black and white costumes to fit with the visual theme.

A driving, rhythmic soundscape composed by Ian Moorhead surrounded all the action. The soundscape was sometimes intrusive with uncomfortably high piercing tones. The overall pace of the performance was uniformly slow and occasionally dragged. Towards the end of the show the performers showed the impact of the enormous energy and focus they had given with clear tiredness.

ONEIRIC finished dramatically. The backlit performers were standing behind the white curtains then all of the curtains suddenly fell, instantly swapping the visuals from white to black and leaving the performers visible for the applause they deserved.

Ruth Richter

Photograher: Rob Blackburn.