Newly founded theatre company MAXIMA – Circus Beyond Limits face their anxieties in Fearless at this year’s Fringe World Festival.

The performance combines circus, theatre and shadow-play to explore the challenges of fear – the things that hold you back, that cause a visceral reaction, that let you know you’re alive.

The cast alternate between death-defying circus stunts and surrealist theatre, set to a beautifully lo-fi live score that sets the eerie tone of the work and which combined with the sparse set and minimalist costumes sets the tone and works perfectly with the show’s themata.

Though the performers don’t always pull off the stunts they are attempting on stage, the show really shines in its more earnest moments. If someone didn’t do as they intended, they would try it over again wearing a smile – a truly fearless feat in itself.

Bearing their hearts on their sleeves, the cast pause mid-way to share their own personal fears which added a touching element of humanity by breaking the fourth wall.

Stylistically, the show really hits the mark. The beautifully stylised fox masks that appear throughout are wonderfully bizarre and add to the creepy tone, and the choice to play with light, shadow and a grimy live soundtrack certainly keeps the audience on their toes.

While the show may lack some overall finesse, the performers are all great talents who’ve clearly explored the concept of fear in great depth to form a cohesive, endearing, personal and entertaining Fringe World show. I can’t wait to see what the fresh team have to offer at fringe festivals to come.

Fearless will be in the De Parel Spiegeltent until Saturday February 18th. Tickets and more information available from fringeworld.com.au

Leigh Hill