Strange Birds Swooping Across Uncharted Waters

Feature by Gareth K Vile | 05 Aug 2011

Aerial - the high art name for acrobats in the air - has flown free of its roots in circus and become a popular part of experimental theatre. All or Nothing's Jen Paterson has been working hard to raise aerial's profile in Scotland, and her Fringe entry sees her collaborate with Strange Bird Zircus, in a three story programme that features stunning use of Chinese pole, silks, and music from David Paul Jones.

Paterson brings more than just acrobatics to aerial: "It was through a dance company," she remembers. "Aerial allowed further possibilities then dancing on the floor - some fairly spectacular as well as very subtle and intimate possibilities. Nothing beats the feeling of flying."

The current trilogy retains that dance influence: "Two thirds of the show was created by choreographers using contemporary dance choreographic processes." Aerial, for Paterson, shares "many of the same characteristics in how you are communicating what you are trying to say," with floor dance. "It is more than just showing your biggest tricks: its about the flow, intention, themes, motifs, structure!"

Spokes' sea voyage adventure suits the drama of the pole and silks so perfectly that is surprising it has never been used before. "The nautical theme evolved organically from the material of Spokes, the settings and the visual imagery of all 3 pieces. We then began discussing the overriding themes of the works. Journeys into the unknown, and voyages of self discovery and transformation, hence uncharted waters on many levels!"

Although each of the three tales is self-contained, Paterson says that the show has evolved from earlier presentations. "Uncharted Waters is an integrated show with an omnipresent character of musician Dave Boyd. This year we have worked and developed all 3 pieces that combine to make Uncharted Waters - having performed the individual sections as separate pieces we reworked each one with the director or choreographer of that particular section."

Coming from a circus tradition, aerial work is only now establishing itself as a strong narrative theatrical form. There have been hiccups: when the Chinese State Circus moved from the Big Top to the Proscenium Arch, it desperately attached a family friendly story that was little more than an excuse for displays of excellence. Yet Uncharted Waters manages to be an all-ages show that touches on themes of loneliness, despair and triumph. The development of each piece, and its integration into a whole has given Uncharted Waters a unique appeal.

"Performing something makes you realise the flow and overall arc of the piece, and allows the work to grow with that performance energy," Paterson concludes. The work is more seated and grounded within you as performer and you sense as a performer, from the inside, what is and is not working as well as the audience feedback viewing on the outside."

Wordless, lyrical, spectacular and thoughtful, Uncharted Waters is a rare bird: deep for adults, fun for children and leaping across the language barrier making it a perfect show for an international festival.

Uncharted Waters, Dance Base, 5-20 August, various times

http://www.strangebirdzirkus.com