BWW Reviews: Denver Center's TRACES

TRACES, performed by the Montreal-based troupe 7 Fingers, is "a fantastical blend of circus, physical theater, music and dance wowing audiences and critics across the US." Through the combination of "extraordinary acrobatic feats, music, film, narration and dance, seven performers deliver gravity-defying displays of skill that are fresh, urban and inventive. The artists' wide-ranging talent includes traditional Chinese acrobatics, tumbling through hoops and leaping spectacularly up giant poles. Poetic and explosive, funny and thoughtful, TRACES creates an experience that surprises and delights all ages."

I know what you're thinking. Film? Urban? Circus? Huh? Allow me to explain.

When first entering the theatre, one is instantly reminded of a strip club. Two poles on the stage and little else. The other oddly fascinating thing is the camera positioned in the front lobby that projects images from there into the theater for the audience to see and enjoy (it's fun to be a voyeur, just don't pick your nose while milling around the lobby). When the show starts it is immediately apparent that this will not be your typical "film urban circus" show. At the start, an announcement is made to NOT silence your cell phones, followed by express permission to do everything opposite from what is usually allowed in theaters - talk, text, flash photography, whatever.

In a nutshell, one word describes TRACES better than any other. BOHEMIAN! I felt like I was instantly transported to an artists' loft in Quebec, where a group of friends from the Circus School were hanging out and shooting the breeze. The music starts playing and the next thing you know - BAM! Seven lords a leaping! In a nation saturated with the unnatural perfection, surreal beauty, and over-the-top productions of Cirque du Soleil, it was refreshing to see something a little more raw, intimate, gritty, and playful. Considering 7 Fingers' initial goal - "to bring circus to a human scale" - I'd say they are right on the mark.

The show offers every medium of art - dance, music, poetry, and visual. The performers' utilization of floor space in inventive and unique ways for art is impressive, and having them use their own clothing as art canvases adds a creative, fun flair. The level of campy professionalism is high; when the performers don't quite make their mark, they try it again until the task is accomplished. This approach made all of us root for the poor performer, making the reward for our support that much sweeter when they succeeded. Hands down, the most spectacular segments of the show were the human ring and the pole performers (no strippers, I promise). But my personal favorites were the lovers, and the narrative element of the joy of reading added a wonderful touch to the multi-sensory experience.

If you have children ages 10 to 18 and are looking for some family fun (again...no strippers, I promise), if you're looking for something novel to do on a first date or a girl's night out, or even looking for an unconventional event for prom, then cartwheel, flip or skip your way down to the DCPA and get your tickets today. For information, call the box office at 303-893-4100 or visit the DCPA online at www.denvercenter.org. TRACES is playing at the Denver Center's Stage Theatre now through May 14^th.

To post a comment, you must register and login.