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O Cano — Circo Teatro
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Circo Teatro’s musical mayhem strikes a chord
samba rhythms and the fractured set transforms to create a giant trombone.
Delving deep into the vibrant musical repertoire of Brazil, from jazz to Brazilian folk and classical pieces,
the three clowns of the troupe navigate the musical
fl. %/
Music and mayhem in a vibrant example of new circus
Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, the new circus has arrived. Outdated as the traditional circus is with its politically incorrect use of animals and clichéd comic clowning, the big top performers of the world have discovered radical new ways of transforming the circus experience into a credible contemporary art form. Brazilian troupe Circo Teatro Udi Grudi are at the forefront of the movement.
Established eighteen years ago, the group, whose title roughly translates to mean circus theatre of the underground, explore and exploit the relationship between the traditional circus performance of clowns and an innovative use of music played on instruments made from street refuse. As their British director Leo Sykes explains, 'the reason this show has taken off is the combination of theatre, circus and music. What defines it from traditional circus is the virtuoso element which is done in a very surprising way.’ Recycled bits of drainpipe are tuned to become an organ, pieces of broken tile form a fabulous xylophone, a barrel plays
mayhem with juggling, acrobatics, fire swinging and classic comic absurdism. The show then pays homage to the technical expertise inherent in the traditional circus, but its performers live instead by the new principles of invention and metamorphosis.
At the centre of the magical performance that has won considerable acclaim in their native state of Brasilia, are the three musically gifted clowns Luciano Porto, Marcio Vieira and Marcelo Beré. Their musical antics strike a chord with both adults and children and like the traditional circus, their new show '0 Cano' (meaning drainpipe) is fun for all the family. Although Sykes admits that the show is 'as much for children' she is still continually struck by the profound effect it has on adults. 'They come out of the performance with their eyes shining and that's magical for us and for them. It really touches people and allows them to relax, to enjoy and just feel.’ (Catherine Bromley)
ill 0 Cano (Fringe) Circo Tea tro Udi Grudi, Scottish International at Dynamic Earth (Venue 78/ 530 355 7, until 28 Aug, 70.75am, Ell/£5.
235“ James Campbell Is Not Made Of Cheese *****
Engaging nonsense from master storyteller
James Campbell is a most wonderful storyteller. His stories, songs and poems possess the enchanting Silliness of someone like Spike Milligan — imagine a Boosh for small children.
Like them, Campbell’s VlVld imaginings work to an internal logic that renders toothless tigers and legless lions believable and larger than life. They in turn make way for the nine-headed Wimpety Warn, orange cows from Jupiter, and myriad other creations. (So many in fact he Will later this year attempt a marathon 36 hOur storytelling seSSion.i
References to Milligan and Boosh are merely indicators of style. For Campbell possesses an original and God-given natural talent. This Edinburgh lad performs With the ease and grace of a man followmg his true vocation.
Usually it’s a poor tactic for performers to humiliate reViewers. James spied me Without a small child, with a notebook and immediately sent his wife over to strong-arm me into performing actions to a song. On this occaSion, the unashamed SIX- year-old within me was already bursting to get out and the coercion was perfunctory.
One doesn't usually talk in terms of performers working audiences when the average age of the audience is around six. But Campbell engages, cajoles, teases and ultimately delights them. He captures their attention wholly. You can see it in their almost luminious little faces. (Ross Holloway) llllll' James Campbell Is Not Made Of Cheese (Fringe) Gilded Balloon (Venue 38/ 226 2757, until Aug 28, noon, [5 (£4).
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No chance of a lie-in with these shows on offer
Picasso’s Women
Five star performance from Susannah York as the last woman in Picasso's life. See review. Picasso’s Women (Fringe) Assembly Rooms (Venue 3) 226 2428. Jacqueline, 78 Aug, noon, 27 Aug, 7. 70pm, 22 Aug, 70.30am, Francoise, 77—28 Aug (not 23) noon," Olga, 7 7-28 Aug (not 2 7 J
7 .70pm, Dora, 77, 79—27, 23—28 Aug, noon, 22 Aug, 2.30pm,
£9/f 70 (£8/f9/.
3 Dark Tales
Unique theatrical experience that leaves a lasting impression. 3 Dark Tales (Fringe) Generally Better Productions, Assembly Rooms (Venue 3) until 28 Aug, 7 7.30am, £9/f 70 (£8/f9).
The Ugly Duckling
Five star Winner from former National Youth Music Theatre members. See review. The Ugly Duckling (Fringe) XNYMT, P/easance Nenue 33/ 556 6550, until 28 Aug (not 22) 77am, £6 (£4),
Voices
Based on the writings of Pier Paolo Pasolini, this award-winning, intrigumg, superbly acted one-man show brings together four politically powerful characters. Voices (Fringe) Theatergroep Hollandia, Traverse Theatre (Venue 75) 228 7404, until 26 Aug (not
2 7 / various times, if 9 (£6).
0 Cano
See preView, left. 0 Cano (Fringe) Circo Teatro Udi Grudi, Scottish International at Dynamic Earth (Venue 78/ 5303557, until 28 Aug, 70.75am, £5 (£4).
James Campbell ls Not Made Of Cheese
See reView, left. James Campbell 75 Not Made Of Cheese (Fringe) Gilded Balloon (Venue 38) 226 2757, unti/Aug 28, noon, £5 (£4).
Adolf
Pip Utton’s provocative Ado/f started off in a backwater four
years ago and grew to become a five-star Fringe phenomenon. After extensive world touring, this one- off performance celebrates the power of the Fringe to thrust the deserVing into the limelight. Ado/f (Fringe) Guy Masterson Productions, Assembly Rooms (Venue 3) 226 2428, 27 Aug, 77.45am, £7069).
17—24 Aug 2000 THE LIST FESTIVAL GUIDE 21