Traces

Any fans of Cirque Du Soleil should warm to Traces instantly. This production differs, however, from the acrobatic splendour of similar shows by injecting humour into the various hoop-jumping antics.

The Canadian troupe – four men and a very little lady – at times interact like circus professionals, at other times like schoolchildren. Needless to say, the jokes are hardly subtle but the hilarity of play-fighting and catch-chase is not lost on the younger members of the audience.

The show updates the acrobatic model by moving from straight-laced performance music into the realm of hip-hop and fresh renditions of classical pieces. The urban theme, which is established from the onset through the costumes and set, is extended to include an impressive display of skateboard tricks.

By contrasting moments of deliberate clumsiness, including a hoop which at one point hurtles towards the front row, with flashes of pure agility and perfect judgement, the show manages to retain the audience’s interest. However, gimmicks aside, the true merit of Traces lies in the astounding skill with which the old classics are performed.