Words: Alex Grunberg
Image: Benoit Z Leroux

5 Stars

Two clowns help us find the light in the darkness in this beautiful children’s circus performance.

We enter an attic space that, once inhabited by our performers, is imbued with the charm of a Ghibli film. At the end of the show the clowns stated that their goal was to bring gentleness into the world, and throughout the whole show I was touched by how gentle these clowns were with each other, through their feats of talent and their physical comedy. This is not the world of mean slapstick humour. These clowns embrace a refreshing vulnerability. The ease of their talent may lull you into forgetting how hard it is to juggle and do acrobatics gently.

And these two performers are very talented, engaging in skills within their endearing storyline and persona that never condescend to the audience. The performance kept the viewers rapt without getting them riled – something I’m sure parents will appreciate. There are no bells and whistles here. They are not needed. The clear story showed how a little imagination paired with the right props can create a unique world. What you are juggling matters as much as the skill. Why are you are balancing makes me root for the trick even more.

While there were many magical moments, a standout for me was an acrobatic illumination routine that worked so well with the music as the clown moved with the grace of a jewellery box ballerina.

A quietly mesmerizing performance that left me feeling quite moved.

NoVa
Assembly Roxy, Upstairs
15:45
Aug 8-11, 13-18, 20-25