Dynamic Earth is an unusual Fringe venue, but for its maiden year this Beijing-based troupe turn it into an interplanetary feast for the eyes.
The setting is immediately impressive; half of the ground floor is given over to the performance, sandwiched between a geodesic dome covered in multicoloured strip lights and a model of Planet Earth, rotating above us. Our six performers thrill us with both ground-based work like acrobatics, Chinese pole, Cyr wheel and juggling, and aerial tricks on silks and hoop.
Thematically, wonder and discovery of our world came through; from the rain-soaked walk with Gao Yang and Li Jingyu silhouetting each other, to Li Sha’s Chinese pole work, almost climbing towards the stars.
My standouts were Chen Jinyu on aerial hoop and silk; silhouetted against the planet her moves were striking. Bao Dongwei, juggling with the help of young assistant Oliver Su, was a hit with the children in the audience, while Hou Xing on the Cyr wheel truly defied gravity. As the sun set, the circus bathed in golden light was all the more delightful!
Revolution Circus are bringing both this show and the late-night Newbie to Dynamic Earth, so there’s plenty of chances to catch their amazing skills in a unique setting.
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Revolution Circus Show is at Dynamic Earth from 19-24 Aug (not 20).