Le Aerial | The Edith at Yagan Square | til 3rd Feb | ★ ★ ★ ★
Le Aerial is one of the more conventional shows at Fringe this year. In a tent in Yagan Square, performers stun their audience with spectacular displays of aerial grace and strength that defy gravity.
From the first performer who spins, contorts and balances on and in an aerial birdcage to I Just Want to Fly, the graceful artists are captivating. Three women and one man take turns on a huge array of apparatus – from chains to netting and from poles to cloth.
There are solo routines as well as duets that showcase incredible skills. The most entertaining is a gangster and his woman adding drama and humour to their flawless performance of balancing and gymnastic skills.
At times the routines are almost meditative as the performer hypnotises the audience with the seemingly impossible aerial manoeuvres. Sometimes accompanied by a singer and sometimes recorded music, the routines are always exquisite and enthralling.
As their publicity promises, “Aerial Artists Australia brings together some of Australia’s best gymnasts, divers, dancers and athletes. Our company pushes hard to strive in new forms of aerial work, captivating audiences with creative and exciting pieces of aerial equipment.”
While there is no doubting the combined talent of all the performers, and the brilliance of the routines that are captivating in their athletic skill and risk-taking, there are few light moments in the 60 minute show.
Le Aerial is at The Edith Spiegeltent tent in Yagan Square from until 3 February. Tickets and more info at fringeworld.com.au
Lezly Herbert
Image credit:- Jason Matz
