Controlled Falling Project - A Review of the Steampunk Acrobats

Controlled Falling Project is an excellent object lesson in the truth that just because you’re good at something, doesn’t mean you should stop there. There’s no doubt the members of this Australian group are accomplished acrobats; but rather than just turning up and performing jumps, turns and falls for an hour, they’ve built an entire world and story around them.

There’s elements of steampunk – homemade lighting rigs that can literally be bicycled around the stage – combined with a Buster Keaton-esque visual style – bowler hats, sepia tones and (not too much) physical comedy. The timing of both humour and gymnastic feats is near flawless, and while it takes some time for the energy and atmosphere to get going, the troupe – mad scientist and all – succeed in creating a beautiful, surreal and altogether hypnotic spell. It’s theatre, circus, performance art and comedy all rolled into one: an ambitious and original show that promises even better things to come.