It feels quite appropriate to finish off this season’s Fringe reviews with a story about beginnings, ends and the spaces between. Portals is an aesthetically rich and compelling story of finding connection and identity across time and space. It’s the latest offering from local producer and performer Phoebe Ophidia, the result is a unique and carefully curated fusion of circus and physical theatre.  We follow a girl (played by Ophidia) journeying through a series of portals to different worlds, where she is greeted by strange beings, some friendly and some hostile. With each new encounter, she engages with complex emotions and confronts situations that ultimately help her find her inner strength. 

Dialogue is eschewed in favour of physicality,  with contemporary dance and interpretive theatre acting as the guide for this tale of interdimensional travel. The circus elements are seamlessly integrated into the plot, with each action imbued with physical storytelling. Hula hoops, silk fans and ribbons are used across a variety of contemporary dances and ensemble pieces (including an incredible group act with flaming fans). An impressive lyra routine balances out the mix with an engaging contribution from Rikki D, who jams out to Björk's "It's Oh So Quiet". Ophidia also gets to show off her skills in the fire arts with a dual fan routine that transforms into a flaming heart staff. She also accompanies performer Taylor for a jaw-dropping aerial rope act as she sings "Who We Are" by Hozier. 

The transitions across each new segment are smooth and tempered by a deliberate use of lighting and ambience. It takes a very talented set designer to work within a minimalist framework, and Portals is an impressive achievement that shows how much can be accomplished with limited space. The lighting breathes life across the space and envelops us in Phoebe’s world. You genuinely believe she is being transported across dimensions. Circles are used as recurring motifs, from the giant circular doorway leading off stage, the beams of light projected onto the ceiling, right down to the props used by the performers. There is real intentionality behind the combination of visual and physical elements of the story, which allows for an unexpectedly immersive experience.

This is Ophidia's most ambitious creative work to date and shows she's growing exponentially not just as a producer, but as a storyteller in her own right. She brings an emotional sincerity here that sheds the glamour of her previous cabaret productions in favour of a more human story of connection and potential. It was very hard to fault anything that transpired on stage. Even a late start time was worth it to see the integration of stage lighting used to its fullest potential.

Portals is a unique, mind-bending creation that threads the needle between performance art and crowd-pleasing entertainment. And it's a case study in how a collective vision for stagecraft and physical theatre can create something truly unique within the circus space. Truly spellbinding and an exciting, creative turning point for Ophidia Productions. 

***** Five Stars