Step in front of the mirror, what will you see?

Homegrown heroes Gravity And Other Myths are local champions of the circus arts and among Adelaide’s finest talents. With multiple acclaimed shows under their belt, they’re in top form with their latest offering, The Mirror, a modern circus fusion of abstract storytelling and physical performance art.

Strength takes central focus in this show, with the human body as the apparatus of choice. The Octagon becomes an arena for astonishing acts of physical prowess as the GOM troupe perform acrobatic stunts, contemporary dance and visual theatre. Each act of contortion, balance and partner work requires an incredible level of muscle control and precision, and you can see the discipline written on each body. The troupe throw and tosses each other back and forth, climbs atop each other's shoulders to form human columns, and flips and tumbles across the stage with a level of fluidity that rivals flowing water. Some of these stunts are simply breathtaking in their danger and execution, especially the blind throws backwards into each other’s arms. It takes a level of trust that can only be forged by true dedication to the craft and each other. Several acts take on a playful flavour, especially when the scantily clad costumes come out. One of the most unique scenes is when two performers take on the role of mannequins and are arranged by their partners into a kiss that lasts several minutes - all while being moved into a series of challenging poses.   

This is a visually stunning yet subtle production that delights the senses. Striking LED lights are used to create large rectangular structures and vertical beams that bathe the performers in spectral light and complement the movement of their bodies across the stage. Draped in shadow, spotlights and rich reds, it’s a beautiful way to canvas the physical strength on display. The set design is kept simple, but effective, with intricate use of colour and ambient noise. From a radio sitting innocently on a stool to a selfie camera that projects faces in real time onto the main backdrop, the show interrogates the invasiveness of technology as a tool for perception and how it warps identity around the psychic burden of being watched. 

The show keeps dialogue sparse, save for singer Megan Drury, who sings live alongside the tumbling acrobats. She serenades us with haunting vocals and reimagines classic songs with an ethereal edge. Her vocals imbue the show with an emotional richness as her range shifts from playful to mournful, hurried and frantic to powerful and controlled. It complements the physical intensity around her and leans in to the themes of anxiety through perception. It culminates in an incredible scene at the end where she integrates lyrics from around fifty different songs while her body is thrown and passed between acrobats, all captured by a handheld camera whirling around her face.

Contemplative, thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, The Mirror is a contemporary approach to circus that evolves beyond the glitz and glamour of more avant-garde productions. It’s an invitation for reflection that melds the show-stopping power of physical theatre with enigmatic and dreamlike visuals. It’s a beautiful piece of live entertainment and a must-see for circus fans.

***** Five Stars