Stepping into the Octagon at Gluttony, audiences were met with more than just a circus show, The Mirror by Gravity & Other Myths (GOM) is an athletic, emotionally intelligent, and visually dazzling exploration of self and connection, seen through the lens of contemporary circus. It’s circus with soul… and abs. Lots of abs.
GOM have carved out a global reputation for redefining the circus form, and The Mirror continues this tradition with gusto. From the very first beat you feel the energy crackle in the air. What follows is an astonishing 70-minute display of physicality, humour, and vulnerability, performed with such grace and precision it’s hard to believe some of the stunts performed in front of your eyes.
The central concept of “the mirror” is cleverly woven throughout: performers mimic, reflect, and react to one another in intricate movement sequences. The show examines how we see ourselves and each other, both literally and figuratively. It’s deeply human, even as it reaches inhuman levels of acrobatic complexity.
Particularly impressive is the way the ensemble blurs the line between choreography and chaos. One moment, bodies move in flawless unison; the next, a messy, joyful pile of limbs collapses into laughter. There's humour and heart here, not just spectacle. And the performers’ connection to one another is palpable; you can see the trust as they climb, toss, and balance in increasingly mind-bending formations.
Adding to the experience is the lighting and sound design, which transform the Octagon into an immersive space where shadows play, pulses sync, and bodies seem to defy physics. The use of LED walls, sticks of light, selfie sticks, and live camera work were all harnessed. Musician Ekrem Eli Phoenix deserves a special mention for his live score and vocal chops. Mash-ups of more pop songs than you can poke a selfie stick are carefully crafted into a lounge-style harmony that evokes Morrissey or AHNOHNI. You’ve never heard Britney Spears’ “Toxic” sounding so hypnotic. The vocals, pair with a mix of electronic beats and live drumming that perfectly matches the ebb and flow of the performance.
Ultimately, The Mirror is a triumph of contemporary circus. Gravity & Other Myths have once again reminded us that circus can be about more than tricks. It can be poetry in motion, and this reflection is well worth gazing into.