Feral origins grow into complex choreography in this extraordinary, ritualistic piece from Belgian circus and music group Théâtre d'un Jour (T1J). You might think you have the measure of Reclaim from its wild, stomping, grunting beginnings. Its five-strong cast of acrobats transmogrify into skull-masked wolves and a floating bear, while soprano Blandine Coulon sings an Armenian folk song. It’s raw and elemental, fairytale-like. The acrobatic troupe use their flinging and clambering skills to enact the violence of a pre-human hunt. 

But as the piece evolves, T1J change the game and the tone at every turn. As well as Coulon there are two live cellists, and the line between circus and music performance begins to blur. Coulon stands as a base in hand-to-hand balances, then is lifted flat on her back around the space, or carried on a performer’s shoulders. She is a marvel, managing to miraculously sustain the quality of her voice throughout all of this. The music travels forward through time, into Purcell, Bach and Porpora. The acrobatics take on a baroque serenity, and audience members are encouraged to participate, allowing ourselves to be lifted across the stage from seat to seat. In one barely believable moment, one of the cellists plays seated on an acrobat’s shoulders as he stands on top of another performer. It’s an astounding symbol of human achievement and pure beauty. The acrobatic imagination of director Patrick Masset is truly breathtaking. 

The piece could use a clearer eye in its dramaturgy though. There is something going on - some cycle from the wild to civilisation and back again. A ritual for a lost child? A shamanic prayer for humanity? An archetypal mythical past evolving into a spectral renaissance? It isn’t explicit. But the patterns made on onstage, the brilliance of the musicians and the creativity of the whole team alchemise to create something rare and exquisite.

Reclaim, Underbelly Circus Hub, until 26 August, 3.10pm.