A bold performance dual event by Vulcana’s Women’s Circus and WaW.
As If No-one is Watching at Brisbane Powerhouse Precinct is a brave and exceptional, bold performance dual event by Vulcana’s Women’s Circus and WaW, a collective of mature age women’s dance group. Performance art, installation, spoken word, expressive dance and the thrill of aerial acrobatic circus made this a night to remember.
We were set up for the event with our own smartphones or spare devices. A link to the website that housed stories of the performers through headphones. All installations were numbered to navigate the way through. Our hosts inducted all audience members to be tech savvy. Led outside through an industrial metal gate made the start a tantalisingly experiential evening. This two part show began outside with 18 individual performance art installations. Once outside, we found ourselves weaving through performance artists – women ages 20 to 70 who had a variety of props, were scattered through the courtyard. The audience chose who to watch, listen and immerse into with an option of two stories per individual or blending stories as the app allowed, created media developers.
I found myself down the side of the building initially watching an aerial lyra hoop artist divining her physics on a broken mirrored floor, then gracefully utilising her skills. Knowing we had only half an hour to experience these artists outside, we moved into the wider space and delved into further personal intimate stories and scenes, some raw, some funny, we witnessed tai chi fans along with disgruntled inner thoughts of frustrated business meetings, to self-image criticism to couch journeying and fluid movement. The introspective nature allowed us as the audience to begin to see the inner workings of women, unveiled as vulnerable, questioning and insightful. Excitement was rife throughout the audience, knowing that time was limited for this part of the experience.
Eventually, a tall diva in red, entered the arena with a most powerful voice, singing an ancestral goddess song. She gathered the artists as she walked as a piped piper might. We were all ushered into the building. Inside streams of expressive dance and sound encompassed the space. The diva’s voice worked like the narrative of the hearts of wild women. Symbolic messages through lifts and circles entwined of the performers as if liberating them from their own suffering towards a sense of community. The crescendo of voice, dance and movement expressed depth, frustration, acknowledgment, support and empowerment of women, through women and to the patrons throughout the performance. Needless to say the audience was spellbound.
The weaving of the story was thoroughly enticing. I particularly enjoyed the moments when various women fell away and were rescued and supported by the group forming steps with their backs for walking on. The chaotic introduction of hula hoops were delightful and inspiring as well. Highlights involved trapeze, silks, rope, lyra hoop and pole work, which aerial acrobatics artists showcased the advanced skills of Vulcana circus members, excelling in a poetic and divine display of talent and discipline.
As if No-one is Watching is a testament to the ongoing commitment, ethics and ingenuity to building strong community of the organisation that is a Vulcana Womens Circus, alongside with WaW.
4 ½ stars ★★★★☆
As If No-one is Watching
Vulcana Womens Circus
27-30 September, 2018
Powerhouse Arts Precinct, Brisbane
