Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – NoFit State’s BIANCO presents circus as house party

• By drediman
• May 11, 2016
• No Comments

Hailing from Cardiff, Wales, NoFit State is one of the leading circus troupes in the UK (although its members also come from Spain, France, and beyond) and is known for its immersive approach to presenting circus arts. Bianco, their latest effort that’s currently parked underneath the Brooklyn Bridge in a co-production with St. Ann’s Warehouse, is touted as an immersive promenade experience – there are no seats, and audiences are encouraged to move around to get different perspectives of the action. Indeed, there’s an intimate house party vibe under the big top that permeates Bianco that’s inclusive, unpredictable, and uniquely NoFit State’s.

The acts (many of which you’ve been exposed to if you’ve been to the circus before) are given a refreshing spin by not calling attention to themselves. They occur organically and fluidly, almost improvisationally, melt into the next act. Part of the fun is observing the logistics (which are in full view) of allowing this seamlessness to take place – it’s a striking choreographic dance unto itself. Each moment seethes with an authentic sense of freedom, and the joy and thrill of performing in the moment, mistakes and all, is continuously palpable throughout. In this constant motion, these guys come upon striking momentary images, fleeting moments of intense beauty that you might miss if you blink or don’t have the right sight lines (this is a promenade affair, after all).

NoFit State’s (which is celebrating its 30^th anniversary this year) attractive and talented company members exude a natural, unforced sensuality that’s family friendly and downright sexy all at once. What’s immediately clear is that the company’s aesthetic involves all-encompassing teamwork. Whether they’re performing, contributing their bodies as counterweights, or reconfiguring the towering modular structures that dominate the space, each company member is at all times engaged in the production of the spectacle that surrounds you.

I do have some minor quibbles. The show admittedly can be trimmed. At two hours with an intermission, the show feels a touch padded and a tad too long. Some of the acts, especially in the second act, feel superfluous and slightly under-baked. In my opinion, cut the intermission and some of the second act, and you’ve got a stronger show. This being said, I had a brilliant time at and would wholeheartedly recommend NoFit State’s Bianco.

RECOMMENDED

BIANCO
Circus/Performance
NoFit State at St. Ann’s Warehouse
2 hours (with one intermission)
Through May 29