YOAH is an enthralling visual performance piece that focuses on acrobatics, visual effects and heart palpitating electronic sounds. The performers of Japan based company Cirquework, make their UK debut at the Fringe this year and it’s a shame they haven’t come sooner.
An anxiety inducing beat pierces through the big top as the show opens in complete darkness, with a girl seemingly running in place as she scales the silk ropes, and an impressive feat of gymnastics begins. As the unknown girl safely unfurls to the ground, a group of masked men surround her giving an ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ style contemporary dance to chase her.
The performance then transpires into experts using diablos, or Chinese yoyo’s masterfully as they illuminate the room and fly through the air. Intertwined with the diablo usage, performers showcase their own niche abilities, as one terrifying act includes performing acrobatics on a swing high above the audience and another performs incredible balancing tricks on stacked chairs.
YOAH’s jaw-dropping spectacle of a show is an impressive experience for all the senses. Every routine is executed with perfection and is no doubt thoroughly well-rehearsed.