Reviewed by: Glam Adelaide
Review by Rebecca Wu | 21 February 2023
My viewing of Barbaroi was at the fully air conditioned Peacock tent at Gluttony, which is where these talented performers will be for the first half of their season, the remainder being at the Vault. Neatly choreographed, this is a depiction of lives on the streets, in an underworld where bullying, trickery, and street gangs rule. It is a mix of solo performances, short skits, and group acts. Many of the group acts were performed with a contemporary dance feel, so Barbaroi felt more sensual, beyond purely a show of amazing tricks and stunts. The sequencing and time-length of each individual physical act varied and flowed, keeping you engaged. The standout performer was the juggler, who had two solo acts, one with juggling rings and the other using balls that sounded like maracas, giving the latter performance an additional rhythmic beat. Other additional effects used by this troupe, such as the glittery paint that stood out in the dimly lit room, the make-up style used, the backdrop, and the punk-inspired apparel, gave the show a dystopian atmosphere, and it paired well with the themes presented in skits. This was a very enjoyable show. It is not a highly interactive show; rather it is highly performative, and it is engaging due to its stylistic mix of cabaret, acrobatics, and various showcasing of feats. The only downside was the music was a bit too loud for my taste. It is excellent entertainment for the price you pay, and worth much more.