By: Les 7 Doigts de la Main

Director/Choreographer: Shana Carroll and Gypsy Snider.

Reviewer: Poppy Helm

The Public Reviews Rating:

Traces is the second contemporary circus act from French-Canadian collective, Les 7 Doigts de la Main. First performed in Montreal in 2006, it has since enjoyed international success from London’s West End to New York. Midway through it’s first UK tour, Traces arrives in Salford.

The performance opens to a ‘bunker’ in which five inhabitants explore what could be their last moments as an unseen disaster looms. A projector screen hangs on the back wall, showing the audience members gradually filtering from the theatre foyer into the auditorium as they too become part of this underground world.

The title, Traces, is supposedly a reflection of the performer’s increasing desperation to leave their mark on the world before they go – not something easily realised without consulting the company’s website. There are moment of clarity in the snatches of monologue, but not enough to piece a coherent story together. However, this isn’t the sort of show that requires a narrative through-line; the performance is breathtaking enough on it’s own.

The show opens confidently with a heavy bass-line and the performers flinging each other around on the stage. Had the soundtrack been available to buy on the way out, I would have; it’s an eclectic mix ranging from hip-hop to classical to riverdance-crossed-with-rock that hits the spot for every act. What starts off more as a mixture of dance and acrobatics becomes steadily more intense as the show progresses. Philip Rosenberg shines in the first act as he tumbles and balances on a statue of mannequin parts, throwing himself around it until he almost becomes part of the formation.

Every post-interval act deserves a mention; the elegant harness swinging and frantic hoop acrobatics are particular highlights. The final act culminates in a series of increasingly difficult feats that draw gasps from the audience. The standing ovation that follows is one part relief, two parts awe and I’m sure I’m not the only one considering quitting my office job in favour of joining the circus.

Runs until 10th March

Tags: Circus, Cirque, Dance, Gymnastics, Lowry, Salford, Traces