Circa: Wunderkammer @ Underbelly McEwan Hall

Review by Eric Karoulla | 12 Aug 2013

Following an episodic cabaret format rather than a grand narrative, Wunderkammer is a funny, daring, sexy, and subversive circus-style show. Admittedly, some people might see nothing subversive about women or men removing their clothing on stage but doing so while upside down on a trapeze definitely counts for something. 

With powerful acrobatic lifts, and contortionist’s extensions that would make a prima ballerina jealous, this is one of those rare Fringe jewels that you have to see in order to believe. Unravelling and describing any of the surprising feats of strength or flexibility performed on stage seems near impossible, mainly because narrating them would take all the joy and surprise out of the equation. What’s more, translating the show into words doesn’t seem possible at all. It’s a show unlike any other with performers who defy gravity, and many other laws of physics and common sense. Yet they are also willing to make mistakes, are clearly pushing their limits, while managing to be funny in the process.

If you are struggling to choose a show to see at the Fringe, choose this one.

 

Circa: Wunderkammer, Underbelly Bristo Square, various times, various dates, various prices http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/theatre/circa-wunderkammer