You can imagine my bewilderment last night when I went to the circus and saw performers gracefully building a pyramid formation on top of a single cyclist, whilst playing brass instruments. Yesterday the French troupe Circa Tsuica kicked of their Now or Never tour as part of Oxford’s Off Beat Festival 2018. Equipped with trick bicycles, Cyr wheels, seesaws and group of people whose acrobatic and musical skills knew no bounds, this was the most remarkable circus act I have ever seen. [caption id=“attachment_39464” align=“aligncenter” width=“675”]
Spectacle “Maintenant ou jamais” de la fanfare Circa Tsuica, compagnie du Cheptel Aleikoum, en octobre 2017 à Paris.[/caption] Upon entering the tent, pitched at Oxpens Meadow, it felt like walking through a time warp and entering a vintage French circus casting call. We were greeted European style with a kiss to each cheek and shown towards a table of refreshments and food. It was incredibly warming and inviting, foreshadowing the very immersive nature of it all. It was far more traditional than I had expected but given the nationwide celebrations of Circus250 (the birth of the circus) I liked the nod to the more classical circus attributes which very much showcase the weird and wonderful talents of the performers themselves - rather than a reliance on animals as entertainment or implementing a ‘freak-show’ element which is often associated with the circus. [caption id=“attachment_39460” align=“aligncenter” width=“726”]
Spectacle “Maintenant ou jamais” de la fanfare Circa Tsuica, compagnie du Cheptel Aleikoum, en octobre 2017 à Paris.[/caption] All in tune to brass instruments the show broke out into various acrobatic tricks, balancing acts atop a single bicycle, and some participation from the audience. The vibe itself was merged between crude humour, slap-stick, human skill and community spirit – at one point a performer disclaimed to the audience “we must turn off our televisions and love each other.” This element was quite prominent as the acts involved tender touches, laughter and resulted in the audience being asked to sit around the inner circle together on blankets. So very wholesome. The best part was that no animals were harmed in the show, but from my perspective I engaged with an allegorical notion towards anti-cruelty to animals as some of the acts almost focus on how animals are not necessary for entertainment. One part in particular confirmed this angle for me which took a darker, yet still enjoyable, turn. This show has been so well crafted and incredibly executed. Circa Tsuica’s Now or Never is warming, sadistic, farcical, and quite frankly jaw-dropping. I definitely wanted to run away with the circus last night. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=31&v=K1jZ2f9qC3M Circa Tsuica’s Now or Never will be performing at Oxford’s Off Beat Festival tonight and tomorrow. For tickets and further information click here.