Let me start by saying that I have never seen anything like Traces before. There’s no real need to read my review in full. Just trust me - go see it. It runs until Saturday 17th of this month and if you can get tickets, you will not be disappointed. Tickets are available from €28 from Ticketmaster and the show starts with a support act at 7.30 each evening. Go see it - you won’t regret it.
For those of you still not convinced, let me tell you a little more.
It’s a show of dance, expression, breathtaking acrobatics, illustration, music, deep rooted confessions and hilarious situations. There isn’t exactly a plot to the show; more of a mood. We’re in a post-apocalyptic world where creativity is all these people have to set them free. Five characters, with differing acrobatic skills interact with each other as one, telling us tales of love, loss and fear. Interspersed with spoken parts that are at times moving, but mostly extremely funny.
Yes, it’s performance art, but it’s not stuffy or high-brow. It’s completely accessible and so much fun. It’s one for all ages, because I can’t imagine anyone, whether they be 8 or 80, not being in awe of some of the performers’ incredible feats. At one point, Philip Rosenberg falls head first down a pole the height of the Olympia, hurtling towards the ground, using only his ankles as brakes. The sense of danger throughout only adds to the tension and the excitement of the show. The rare mis-step only reminds us that we are watching real human beings - there’s no CG, no safety net, no illusions.
And then there’s Traces’ soundtrack. It’s as much a character as the five performers, as it is integral to the pace and momentum of the show. Traces’ urban stage pulses with electronica and indie rock. I want to buy the soundtrack!!
If you’re still not convinced, just look at the guys in action. It is, in the truest sense of the word, awesome:
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I was there last night as well. Pity about the first half, but the Traces show was superb!
So this comes with a Darren Byrne stamp of approval?
Ticketmaster only has dates till the 17th? Is it over then?
@brianmc: I quite liked the singer/songwriter tbh.
@Peter: Yep, just the six night run.
Loved it and opened my eyes I normally would not go to something under the banner of performance art because as a great man put it I’m so dense light bends around me. But if performance art is people jumping around like they have had too much sunny delight and doing things to poles that normally costs 50 quid and my dignity sign me up for more.
went last night.
wonderfull stuff. just wow.
want to see it again.
It’s a great show.
Thanks for the heads up.
Heard nothing but great reviews from the Culch.ie bunch on twitter .. I really like the music and the video.
@Anto - she wasn’t bad, it’s just when I go to see a lively acrobatic show, I feel trapped and cheated when that style of performer comes on stage, and I don’t have a choice to escape.
@brianmc: I was a tad suprised at first myself to see a singer/songwriter as a support act to a circus act but I enjoyed the music nonetheless. Horses for courses I suppose.