HUMANS 2.0 BY CIRCA - REVIEW - SOUTHBANK CENTRE

Humans 2.0 poses the question: ‘Can we ever find a perfect balance, or is adapting to constant change the only way forward?’ through the use of acrobatics, contemporary choreography, and undeniable strength. The space goes dark, making the announcement to ensure phones are switched off. In a flash, the stage is revealed with ten bodies on the floor. I was hooked.

This ensemble puts in a jam-packed 110 minutes of movement, collaboration, and extreme excitement. Talent pours out of their bodies, balancing not one but two people on their shoulders repeatedly, as well as jumping on someones back to the next. With no towers, apparatus, or safety nets, the collective of humans make so much with their own bodies!

An all physical ensemble, this piece also has segments of singular aerial aerobics which tie in more with a circus feel, yet somehow feels out of place as the overall piece feels to be so much about togetherness. At times there is too much going, on making it hard to know where to focus, or not enough going on that the room is up for distraction, but maybe that is also part of the intent.

The production overall shows the effort to be different in a society that forces you to blend in with powerful repetition and struggle. The intention of being there to catch someone and still letting them fall is eye-opening in the representation of being human. I appreciated throughout the whole production there was a sense of equality being in the physical tasks or even in the same mesh costumes they wear and flourish in.

With no need for dialogue, the piece flows seamlessly with each transition of the passing in time, complementary backed with soundscapes composed by Ori Lichtik and Paul Jackson’s lighting. The show’s power of colour to emotion and instrumental abilities conveys tension and ease.

I will note that this piece is filled with experimental work with many areas that could be explored further. Even if you go to this show not having a clue what is going on, there’s no doubt you’ll leave in awe at what you’ve witnessed and the level of trust and hard work that goes into a piece of theatre such as this.

Humans 2.0 by Circa is on at the Southbank Centre until the 16th of April 2023. Find tickets and info here!

{🎟 AD – PR invite – Tickets were gifted in exchange for an honest review}

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