A fitting name, Wolf embraces an animalistic side resembling an aerobic hunting pack of wolves. The show has no spoken words, just breathing, snarling and absolute strength and skill.
Circa Wolf is no traditional circus show; there are no names, no real introduction, and instead a catalogue of impressive tricks starts to finish. The show begins with each performer running onto the stage one by one. Once all ten appear, their first trick is making a three-man high tower with another three balancing around the sides. I think the total number is six, but being honest, it’s hard to count when they are all wearing the same and are that tightly wound together. The man on the base then holds the weight of all six people in an act of strength. An incredible opening act.
The women also showcase powerful strength as one holds two men on her shoulders, shaking slightly but not giving in; a massive applause echoed around the circus tent. Fifteen minutes into the show, ropes from above are draped down and wielded by one of the women, who wraps herself around the ropes in so many ways yet somehow magically comes out in seconds, unscathed, doing the splits. This show is really pushing aerobic abilities. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone get thrown around in so many different ways.
The Brisbane-based act is fashionably styled; there is no colour to the outfits, just skin tones and black, as their tricks are performed beat by beat with heavy techno music, which adds the perfect amount of tension to the already gasp-inducing show.
Circa: Wolf 18.20, Underbelly Circus Hub on the Meadows, until August 23
