Skyward | Republic of Song
Skyward is a new show from Republic of Song, which makes the most of a collaboration with circus artist Georgia- Elizabeth Bale. Another take on the fusion of contemporary classical music and circus arts, this show makes a highly commendable addition to the field.
Image: Nahkana Earth & Art (Krystal Beazley)
We begin with a beautiful dreamy introduction, a delicate song performed on cello and piano as we watch a mesmerising timelapse. Bale begins her series of aerial routines in the second scene, with a beautiful dance at the base of the aerial silks. Throughout the performance, Bale explores the inherent urge to escape, to fly free into the sky, and the inevitable sadness that comes with the realisation of gravity, and impossibility, and mortality.
Soprano Jo Willans sings beautifully, adding poignancy tothe ethereal dreamscape before us. The songs are bright and clear; a personalfavourite was the deliciously spooky version of ‘All the pretty horses’. Willansis half storyteller, half guide, taking her childlike-charge under her wing andmarking the tale of struggle and ultimate attainment. The relationship betweenthe two appears truly affectionate; it’s pleasant to see such an authentic connectionon the stage. Both performers love their arts, it can be seen, both the singerand the mover appear to be genuinely enjoying their opportunity to presenttheir talents.
Bale has been developing her skills incorporating lightsinto apparatus and costuming – her night of stars dress is a spectacle thatawes the audience, soaring into the heights in a black dress sparkling withtiny pieces of starlight.
Image: Nahkana Earth & Art (Krystal Beazley)
The musical accompaniment is provided by Toby Saltwell oncello and John Woods on piano, and it moves between gentle waves and a strongerurgency fluidly, sweetly, gracefully. I am the first to admit that my own knowledgesurrounds the circus aspect of this show rather than being able to critique themusical presentation: suffice to say, the live soundtrack added great enjoymentto my experience.
The final denouement in which Bale takes flight on the lyra,her apparatus of choice, is joyous to watch. This is the first full-length soloaerial performance that she has presented, and she is still learning to bepresent enough to truly sink into the moment, but when she winds herself aroundthe ring in this last active routine her ever-increasing strength and skills shinesout.
The vision of the creators is strong and the work is a beautiful fairy tale executed with charm.
Nadia Jade saw Skyward on May 12th as part of Anywhere Festival 2019
Aerialist | Georgia-Elizabeth Bale. Soprano | Jo Willans . Counterweight | Stefanie Awiszus. Cello | Toby Saltwell. Piano | John Woods. Photographer | Michael Owen
