Following their successful European tour, Copenhagen Collective leap into Scotland with The Genesis, performing at Assembly Main Hall.
We follow 17 international performers as they unite in this remarkable acrobatic journey. From an empty stage, they take us on an hour-long performance that is much more than an acrobatic display. Through tumbling, stacking and balancing, this heartfelt story tells a tale of cooperation, risk, trust and understanding, through which true strength emerges.
The difficulty of the skills increases as the story progresses, with the stacking and tumbling advancing to the seemingly impossible. Yet the performers make it possible. The gasps of the audience add to the drama, but the performers appear absolutely unfazed and in complete control, with every single acrobat playing their part.
Whilst the skill of the acrobats is awe-inspiring, it’s the connection they have between each other that gives The Genesis its spirit. If you look closely, there are subtle, yet significant, moments of connection between performers: a playful eyebrow raise, a confident nod, a reassuring smile. Individual personalities shine through, which is not always the case in ensemble performances. The consideration that these 17 individuals are brought together through their craft creates a heartwarming feeling of unity. From the minute they enter the stage to the final bow, the passion and togetherness are clear to see.
The original sound plays a strong part in the story, too — from upbeat sections that spark enthusiastic clapping from the audience to more subdued tracks which echo the gentle, sensitive moments. Added to this is effective lighting design, creating atmospheric staging which smoothly transitions as the performance unfolds.
Advertised as suitable for ages 5 and up, with a warning for the use of strobe lighting, The Genesis is a breathtaking hour of acrobatic skill, trust, resilience and community that captures the true spirit of the Edinburgh Fringe.
Following Edinburgh Fringe, The Genesis will run at the Peacock Theatre in London 3rd- 6th September
