Erth’s Shark Dive | Erth Visual & Physical Inc.
Erth’s Shark Dive did indeed deliver on the immersive 'cage diving' aspect, but it offered so much more than I had anticipated, leaving a surprisingly profound impact on me. The performance was informative but also deeply moving and beautiful, providing insights into the underwater world that I hadn’t expected.
The Making of Pinocchio | Rosana Cade & Ivor Macaskill
Ultimately, The Making of Pinocchio is not a grand story looking to shake up gender politics, it is an autobiographical show presented by two individuals telling their story.
Holding Achilles | Dead Puppet Society & Legs on the Wall
And the way the tension between the two was established and then built was a masterclass. From the moment they first met and instantly hated each other, to a building of respect and trust, to the furtive, lingering glances, until that final kiss, the punters were with them every step of the way. I have never heard an audience explode with cheers and applause like they did when the pair finally kissed near the end of the first half. I’m sure that there were a number of people in the audience that also found it just a wee bit life affirming.
Holding Achilles | Dead Puppet Society & Legs on the Wall
Morton’s Holding Achilles’ queer lens, and re-gendering/de-gendering of key roles, offers fascinating new insights into an old story. My two strongest ‘ah-ha’ moments connected with the themes of parent/child legacies, and about the true nature of heroism - are heroes those who have the short lives that are celebrated in epic tales, or those who seek the ordinary long lives that are celebrated on the warrior’s shield?
Ishmael | Dead Puppet Society
Dead Puppet Society has created something truly spectacular with Ishmael. It captured my inner child and had a wonderful sense of play in its sets and puppets, and paired it with some really grounded critiques of capitalism and the false security presented by constant competition.
Absolute Trash | Glitter Martini
Each one of the circus acts was incredibly well-polished and a real pleasure to watch. These are circus artists with a truckload of experience under their belt, performing some quite technical tricks that had me mesmerised from the very first to the very last moment.
Moon with a View | Calum Johnston
Moon with a View has that classic B-Grade science fiction vibe to it, like something you might see on Mystery Science Theater 3000, however the story of losing a loved one never got lost in the comedic nature of the show. For me this is what made it special. Beyond the fun, silliness and at times absurd, there was still a beautiful heart-warming tale of a relationship between a grandson and his grandma that was inspired by Calum’s personal life.
Umami Mermaids | Anna Straker
The perfect piece to wander across at a festival, in a dark corner where you think there be rainbows and friendly creatures of the deep, but there are only ghouls and destruction and wanton betrayal, and slighted ladies who smell of seaweed and ageing fishes, who bide their time until they can wreak their delicious vengeance.