Japan’s Cirquework refreshes the circus genre in a long-overdue rework of the same tired old acts. That’s not to dismiss the astounding skills and entertainment of other human circuses, but here we have innovative staging that surprises and delights in ways that rarely seem to happen any more. On a bare stage and just an occasional curtain backdrop, Cirquework uses lighting, masks, music and visual elements to elevate their performers to new levels. This first becomes truly apparent with the glowing Diablo (Chinese yo-yo) set to a stunning digital backdrop that traces the artist’s fast movements as they happen. Cirquework focus on artistic technique and innovative excellence with a stellar pre-recorded instrumental background. They forego the variety show style of many other circuses – there’s no band, singers, pep-talking ring master, or campy costumes. They dress primarily in black, using dark masks to set mood and dancing streaks of lighting and animation to make many of their circus feats both visually outstanding and more difficult for the performers to do. There’s a trapeze swing, aerial hoop, chair stacking balancing act, and juggling but each feels fresh. Dance and movement pieces play heavy into most feats with some minor unspoken storytelling to bookend the show. The Diablo acts are the main feature of Yoah, appearing several times, each adding to the wow factor of the last, but the entire show gives that satisfying feel of having discovered something fresh, new and innovative under the circus tent.