Humans 2.0 is a remarkable spectacle, changing what can realistically be expected of the human body in a surprising and impressive piece from the award-winning Australian circus troupe. Part contemporary dance, part acrobatics, part gymnastics, and probably part contortionist, gasps are heard across the theatre as the company flip and fly, throwing each other through the air, morphing bodies into catch mitts and sinuous towers. From an awakening from primordial goo to the elevation and smashing of expectations at a stunning higher degree, this is an evolution marked with surprise and incredible discipline.
The bespoke score from composer Ori Lichtik marks up the narrative, each fresh stage of life has its own movement in the pulsing electronic soundtrack, changing tone and mood as it lifts and dips. Early quivering muscle movements see the company almost trying to self sabotage as they shake and quiver, changing balance challengingly atop the shoulders of another, replicating Bambi-legs juddering and defying gravity and the odds with core strength. Later they tower three figures high, jumping and switching, moving like murmurations yet still ten single individuals, their every evolution quietly reflected in their costume changing through increments, from infant to svelte.
It is a difficult one to stage, being on many physical levels – from the flat on the boards of the stage to flying high on trapeze, rope, cords and each other. And it would be interesting to see how this show fits into other spaces on its tour. The many-tiered Theatre Royal Brighton allows for a view from the three circle levels to see floor work elements, but from the stalls it is a bit more tricky, with sight-lines squeezed between heads and seat jiggles. But that is only a minor gripe.
Each one of the performers is a star, rightly taking their own centre stage applause at the end, the staging, light, and narrative elevating human skills to a Human 2.0 level. What results is something smooth, playful, and captivating from start to finish.
Brighton Festival runs from May 3 – 26 at venues across the city
