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Apricity circus review: Thoughtful and ambitious

Preferring to push contemporary boundaries than offer shock tactics  

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Apricity circus review: Thoughtful and ambitious

Proving you don’t need a group of five homogenous bodies to execute world-class choreography, this circus troupe utilises their varying heights, builds and skills to perform a thoughtful and creatively ambitious show. Producing work that equally blends circus and dance, Casus Creations seem to be more interested in pushing the boundaries of contemporary choreography combined with acrobatics, often choosing to stick with a consistent physical language (flexed feet and off-kilter shapes) than shocking stunts, although there are plenty of those, too. 

Inspired by the title’s symbol of sun warming through a harsh winter, Apricity’s central concept manifests itself in the show’s numerous candle motifs and subtle light design, as well as through intricately interlocked bodies resembling plants growing after a long period of hibernation. These repeated stacking sequences and lifts are sometimes more visually interesting in their dissolvement than at their applause-worthy peak. 

Thanks to an interrupted soundtrack (featuring a lot of orchestrated strings), the show flows seamlessly even when new sections or equipment is introduced. Suspended hoop sequences as well as aerial and trapeze manoeuvres up the ante, while a bit of space is reserved for juvenile slapstick humour. This is a show filled with heart as well as rife with risk. 

Apricity, Assembly George Square Gardens, until 25 August, 3pm. 

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