Underbelly Festival has really spoiled us so far with some world-class productions, from the cool, contemporary circus show A Simple Space by Adelaide’s Gravity & Other Myths to the red-hot, debauched Little Death Club.
Of course, there’s plenty more to come this summer and just this weekend I caught the latest show, Transit by Flip Fabrique. Founded in 2011, this award-winning Quebecois circus company presented its show Catch Me (Attrape Moi) to much acclaim in London two years ago and their new work has been just as well-received.
Transit explores the globe-trotting life of a circus troupe – the highs and the lows, the comradery and the squabbles. The show opens in an airport where the group’s spirits are momentarily dampened by a long flight delay. Within moments, however, they are juggling diabolos and balancing on flight cases with effervescent Jade Dussault hula hooping on the top.
They also pass the time by skipping with multiple neon ropes, celebrating a birthday with party hats and performing a hilarious ballet routine catching sweets in their mouths.
Amid the comedy and acrobatics, there are some poignant moments, such as when Jade has to make a difficult announcement to the group and Pierre Riviere has an argument with his girlfriend on the phone over being constantly on tour.
As the delay gets longer, they reflect on whether they would leave the circus life behind and what they would do if it was their last night performing together. It’s an interesting moment, as very few circus shows have a scene with so much dialogue or ever give the audience a glimpse of the reality of this creative, physically demanding life.
Having discussed their wildest dreams for one last night, they set upon making them a reality. Jasmin Blouin breaks his record of performing 14 circus disciplines in under one and a half minutes, while Jonathan Julien lifts up the entire troupe metal-style and Cedrik Pinault gets to feel like a rock star when the audience cheers and throws ‘their’ knickers at him.
The show ends with an impressive tramp wall routine (bouncing on the trampoline and walking up vertically) and lots of colourful soft balls flying around. The group remains a happy family, even if it’s bittersweet as they may eventually follow different paths.
Transit is a thrilling, funny and touching show with a cool original soundtrack and plenty of wow moments. Flip Fabrique really stand out as a company and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
Transit runs at Underbelly Festival until 7th July. For more information and booking, visit: www.underbellyfestival.com
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