Primal
Rouge has always been a favourite of the Fringe and a feast of talent. Their new show Primal is no exception!
Inspired by the raw energy of the animal kingdom and the complexities of human relationships, this nonstop spectacle explores identity, sexuality, and perception. It features a small cast who rocket along at the speed of light leaving the audience no time to breathe, just to gasp, cheer and applaud.
It’s not that the acts they do are unusual, they have all been seen before in some guise. What makes this show stand out is the degree of difficulty, excellence, and originality of execution. In other words, Primal takes the essence of an act and gives it a whole new slant and ramps up the technical excellence.
The acts are many and various and include - acrobatics, contortionists, fire work, aerial silks and straps, trapeze, juggling, burlesque, sword swallowing to name a few.
The ‘glue’ of the production is the vocalist, Leather Lungs. I saw Jason Chasland perform last year and couldn’t wait to see him again. I was not disappointed, Leather Lungs delivers a powerhouse performance reaching seemingly impossible heights before diving back into the depths, all wrapped up in impossibly high heels, a stunning black coif, and amazing costumes!
Highlights for me included, fire bubbles, the erotic aerial silks routine featuring two male performers, the acrobatic work that places a male performer as the top person in a human stack, the acrobatic routine that starts in bondage gear and ends with a cheeky nude back view, juggling balls by bouncing them from the floor instead of throwing them in the air, a male performer jumping from the shoulders of one female performer to another, a female acrobat standing en pointe with a male performer standing on her shoulders, and an amazing foot catch on the trapeze!
This is not to downplay the other acts. This is a true ensemble show and every act shines and has its rightful place in the production. Every performer has their own unique talent and when that talent is not being used, they become stagehands, helping to set the next act, often in black robes and unicorn heads made from silver prisms.
At the conclusion of the performance the audience were on their feet in a standing ovation, a fitting tribute to a spectacular production that was highlighted with cleverly chosen music and moody lighting.
Primal is exactly what it says - raw, gutsy, and packed with thrills, talent and more than a touch of skin! It is a must see this Festival and a jewel in the crown of the Rouge repertoire!
Barry Hill OAM
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