“Less self indulgence is needed here and more honesty”
Part installation, part dance, part circus, part music gig, part aerial acrobatics, part opera, part rave, part mime, part physical theatre; âBecoming Shadesâ at the Vault Festival is in danger of throwing too many ingredients into the pot. Yes, it is spectacular and enthralling, but a jumble of confusion at the same time.
It is a retelling of the myth of Persephone and Hades, but it is better to forget that from the start and just let yourself be swept along with the unspecified emotion of the piece. Performed by Chivaree Circus and directed by Laurane Marchive, this all female circus troupe display exceptional skills on the ground and in the air with silks, hoops, chords. And fire. Accompanied by the hypnotic trip hop sounds of musician and composer Sam West and the ethereal voice of Becks Johnstone, the atmosphere becomes otherworldly at times.
On entering the space we are herded around the vault before being greeted by the ferryman of Hades (Molly Beth Morosa), allowing the audience to participate and become a collective lost soul carried across the river of Styx. But Iâd recommend, at this point, finding a good spot and stay fixed to watch the spectacle from a good vantage point. There seems little benefit in being up close to the action: the narrative is near impossible to follow â it is pure visual spectacle.
Rebecca Rennisonâs Persephone moves like fluid and commands the evening, culminating in a finale spinning in a ring of fire. Yet the rest of the seven cast are by no means supporting players. Elegantly choreographed they move as one filling each dimension of the space.
But it all lacks emotional punch and any true direction. The programme notes state that âwe didnât want to give the audience members clear answers: we want to let them decide for themselvesâ, which is theatre talk for lack of focus. Less self indulgence is needed here and more honesty â just be happy that this is a visually stunning show and a pleasure to watch gripping and highly skilled acrobatics.
The Vault Festival is in its sixth year now and is growing in its boldness and diversity to become Londonâs largest and most eclectic arts festival. It is worth going along for the carnival atmosphere alone without even catching one of the hundreds of shows on offer. âBecoming Shadesâ certainly fits in with the ethos of the Festival.
A thrill ride of circus, street and theatre performance, re-creating the exciting, edgy and voyeuristic world of Londonâs Soho.
Created by RockânâRoll global power house Stufish, SOHO opens at The Peacock Theatre, London on Saturday 6th May. Sohoâs seriously crazy and multi talented international cast tell the fast-paced story of a young manâs walk on the wild side, as the colourful characters he meets reveal an unexpected and darkly fantastical world, where glamour and sleaze rub shoulders.
SOHO celebrates every inch of the magical square mile, with state-of-the-art multi-layered projections and visuals: from China Town, Gay Pride, the Underground, Bar Italia and Theatreland to Madame Jo Joâs, modelsâ doorbells, strip clubs, bars and its vibrant streets and dark alleys.Â
SOHO has an iconic soundtrack spanning the generations – Love & Peace, Disco, Punk, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Indie and more.
The name Stufish, renowned worldwide for their creative and cutting edge entertainment architecture, now bring their extraordinary production values to SOHO. Stufish design arena productions for: Lady Gaga, Madonna, Queen, Pink Floyd, Robbie Williams and shows including: Jesus Christ Superstar, Bear Grylls Endeavour, Monty Python Live (Mostly), Dragon Quest (Japan). Stufish create stunning visual performances with their innovative application of technical arts, and their talents now present the world premiere of SOHO.
Creative team includes: director – Abigail Yeates, creative producer – Chris Hynes, choreographer – Eleni Edipidi, lighting designer â Richard Godin, original music – Peter Coyte, costume design â Abby Grewcock: working in association with The National Centre For Circus Arts.
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SOHO – Itâs not just a place, itâs a state of mindâŠ.
