YOAH - Adelaide Fringe Review
Image: Supplied
A technological revolution, YOAH by CIRQUEWORK fuses together electro music, digital animations, neon lights, and Japanese cultural elements to create a contemporary circus experience.
Integrating the art of storytelling with circus, audience members are introduced early on into the performance to a mysterious protagonist, Tsumugi Masui, who emerges from the darkness and heads towards the shadows of the stage.
As the darkness intensifies across the stage throughout the entire performance, the techno-electro audiovisuals immerse you and get your heart-racing. The moments of light and darkness interplay constantly, both in the background and foreground of the stage, maintaining the mysterious nature of the acts.
One of the focal points is Yusaku Mochizuki’s mapping diabolo neon light symphony orchestra showcase. With his undeniably charming aura and intensity, Mochizuki puts on an unforgettable experience for his audience. Even when he mistakenly flung one of his diabolo’s into the crowd area, he simply picked up where we left off with a smile and continued to impress.
Doubling the fun and charm joins Akira Fukagawa, who wins the crowd over with his juggling abilities and performs in tandem with Mochizuki as they become an impressive diabolo duo.
Featured also is an impressive swing trapeze showcase by Anthony Weiss, Cyr Wheel performance by Jonathan Fortin, and daring chair balancing act by Yuya Takatori.
Elements of Japanese culture utilised throughout YOAH are embedded in every detail, from the costumes, to the mannerisms, and their movements.
Much like the opening of the show, audience members are still left with many unanswered questions about the plot of the story, which is very much open to your own interpretation to make sense of. I for one viewed it as finding the light in the face of darkness, but I almost guarantee that you’ll have a different interpretation.
YOAH undoubtedly redefines the art of contemporary circus, fusing together traditional circus acts with experimental and technological artforms.
Rating: ★★★★★
Show details: YOAH - Adelaide Fringe
