The Fringe hadn’t scratched my circus/dance itch yet, so Hong Kong troupe TS Crew’s show on the final weekend was a timely find.
Themed roughly around the famous Bruce Lee ‘be like water’ interview, clips from which pepper the show, No Dragon No Lion embraces many genres of dance – and a little bit of martial arts and Chinese opera too. The title isn’t strictly accurate, as the traditional dances are represented by a charming wicker head complete with waggling eyebrows and mouth – and as for the sinuous dragon curves, red benches carried by the dancers are a very effective depiction.
It’s a very accessible show for all ages, especially with the clowning element; I loved the little cheeky muscle flexes and heart hands at the audience, plus the occasional conspiratorial whispered group meetings. The soundtrack was tremendously varied, ranging from the Pulp Fiction soundtrack to Bruno Mars and classical – much of this is performed by beatboxing, as are the sound effects. The overall effect is very cinematic – at times I forgot I was listening to human voices creating the atmosphere!
Every routine is mesmerising; the choreo flows beautifully just like the water Bruce speaks of, and the narrative of drifters navigating a strange new land while revisiting their traditional culture is a powerful one. As old meets new, breakdance taking on wuxia and young Hong Kong meeting the past in the mighty lion, a poignant climax is reached. The youngest member of the troupe rightly got extra applause at the end for his impressive first-ever Edinburgh appearance!
No Dragon No Lion is an astounding piece of physical theatre and an important voice for Hong Kong culture at the Fringe.
*****
No Dragon No Lion is at C Aurora, 1-25 Aug