In the cold of winter, even the smallest sliver of warmth from the sun shows signs of hope and resilience to anyone it hits. This sensation also defines the word “apricity,” which the Australian contemporary circus act Casus Creations uses to describe the series of delicate, jaw-dropping feats and movements it executes to create a visual display of warmth that radiates throughout Festival Hall.
“Apricity” had its U.S. premiere on June 6 as part of the Spoleto Festival USA. It featured five daring performers who warm up the Festival Hall stage through reassuring smiles, delicate cooperation and the ability to hang by a trapeze bar from their teeth.
The result is as if Cirque du Soleil’s narrative-laced acrobatics were scaled down into a thoughtful, more intimate presentation with a loose theme at its core. The troupe executes each stunt with careful collaboration and enviable confidence. Their watchful movements and enthusiastic cooperation derive an uplifting experience from their daring, whimsical and thoughtful maneuvers.
Warmth manifests itself throughout “Apricity” in multiple eye-catching ways: Gold light shines on the artists’ faces as they navigate the cold, blue-lit stage. Surrounding them are miniature candles that guide their movements and foreshadow the treacherous activities ahead.
Even when they pose a threat as fire, Casus Creations navigates these obstacles and overcomes adversity. Two similar acts show members walking on top of their partners’ heads or arm bridges, candles in hand. The danger is countered with the personal warmth and positive human connections that “Apricity” embodies.
Casus Creations’ performers displayed awe-inducing strength throughout the performance. After pulling off a headstand on a trapeze bar or rope dancing, for example, it is astounding to see them still able to muster the strength to support multiple people standing on their shoulders or perform handstands on someone else’s head.
In light of these more stressful acrobatics, “Apricity” breaks up the seriousness with a gravity-defying hula hoop act, upbeat group tumbling and other lighthearted bits. These served as needed rays of sun that brightened the room following the more nail-biting feats.
These acrobatic thrills rendered “Apricity” an unmatched performance at this year’s Spoleto Festival, one that is as heart stopping as it is heartwarming.
Ethan Stinson is an arts journalism and communications graduate student at Syracuse University.
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.
