Reviewed by: The List
Review by Annabel Fedcesin | 19 February 2024
A stunning, wordless opera of the body, YOAH combines traditional Japanese instruments and electronic music with a showcase of new-age circus acts. From storytelling contortionists and acrobatics to a juggler with a bag full of tricks, YOAH uses shadows and lights to create an eerie, intense aura that is manipulated into breathtaking illusions, with the dark, smoky venue and costumes allowing the cast to disappear between acts. The cast of six diversely talented entertainers each has their own act, but all weave seamlessly together. Well-loved traditional skills like the trapeze and Cyr ring move in perfect harmony with the eye-catching projections and spectacles of light: acts physically match the projections shown on large sheets drawn across the stage. The contortionists tell stories of loneliness, self-acceptance and finding one’s place in the world, while the juggler takes a moment for light-hearted audience interaction. Suitable for the whole family, YOAH combines traditional and contemporary styles to put itself at the forefront of modern circus. This is a show for anyone with a love of circus arts, traditional Japanese culture or new age entertainment. Or in other words, a must-see for anyone who wants to see something completely fresh.