Duel Reality performed by the 7 Fingers, is an extraordinary display of mind-blowing acts of balance, control, musicality and pure talent. Duel Reality is a reimagined story of Shakespeare’s, Romeo and Juliet.
In an astounding display of circus acrobatics and inventive choreography. The family feud from Romeo and Juliet, has been reinterpreted in the form of red and blue teams. The 7 performers were divided between the red and blue team with one umpire. To contribute to the audience’s journey of this battle of the strongest and fittest, the spectators were also divided into red and blue teams upon entry into the venue at Underbelly Circus Hub, Lafayette tent.
The simplistic inward lighting varying from red, blue and shades of white around the stage allowed the shapes formed by the artists to be visible clearly around the arena seating. The scene changes were smooth due to the clever use of lighting and music. There was never a dull moment, as Shakespearean monologue between team members covered the time while scene transitions were taking place.
The battle between red and blue team is the most literal version of a competition and “I can do that better than you” concept. Music within the performance allowed the audience to understand the different intense moments, with rapidly increasing percussion beats for one-on-one competitions to smooth lyrical duets.
The love story between the Romeo and Juliet characters within the cast performed a contemporary, acrobatic duet that intensified the relationship whilst displaying extremely challenging choreography. The performance does not have a preconceived ending you would expect for a Shakespearean based story.
An absolute highlight within the performance was a sassy hoop solo to a cabaret styled piece of music. The hoop solo took the expression “jumping through hoops” very literally! An incredible display of balance, stage presence and skill to continuously spin multiple hula hoops.
This performance of Duel Reality by the 7 Fingers, is a display of an extraordinary talented group of individuals at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
The standing ovation of the crowd at the conclusion of the performance speaks louder than words. There is still time to see this stand-out performance at Underbelly Circus Hub, Meadows, Lafayette tent from 4th-26th of August.
