Yoah

Contemporary Japanese circus company Cirquework are wowing audiences with their Australian premiere of Yoah. The tale of a woman full of hope, aerial artist and gymnast Tsumugi Masui plays the title role. We follow her on a mystical journey that delights all the senses. Directed by cast member Yusaku Mochizuki, he combines circus feats, music, lighting and video art to bring us a breathtaking and fresh take on the circus genre; not to mention his skill as a juggler.

The entire performance had a sense of urgency, with dramatic music in the form of Japanese and drums and electronic sounds only adding to the intensity. Highly skilled performers mesmerised an attentive audience with acrobatics, juggling, trapeze and dance, meshed together with the use of lighting effects and a cyclorama. I was in awe of the creativity on display. Digital effects added to the already emotionally charged performance.

Diablo or Chinese yo-yo is featured many times, lighting and sound effects take away any chance of it feeling repetitive, and with a modern twist it is awe-inspiring. Wonderful aerial feats in the form of trapeze and hoops left me gasping and the use of silks by Masui felt ethereal. Immense strength was also on display by Yuma Takatori in his chair balancing act.

Traditional and modern skills are creatively woven together to produce a circus experience like no other. An immersive experience that left the audience buzzing.

Kerry Cooper

To check out our round-up of Adelaide Fringe reviews, click here.