With Cirque Kalabanté, audience reaction says it all. Jaws drop and gasps are heard from across the room as performers bend into startling shapes, lift themselves precariously high above the stage, and enact breathtaking stunts. Immediately, we see that the stage has been divided in two, with questions raised regarding power, balance, and share. As the acts go on, performers twist and tangle within the rope, its two sides clear and disparate. Despite an undeniably high level of talent from the cast, this narrative element unfortunately becomes slightly lost throughout the course of the show, with the running thread fading away.
Nevertheless, live singing and kora playing from ringleader Yamoussa Bangoura supply a soundtrack that matches the spectacle of the show. The acrobats perform tricks that lie out of the realm of our imagination, and the contortionists in particular display some kind of superhuman abilities – a testament to Cirque Kalabanté’s dedication and skill. Playful elements bring us closer to the performers, slightly breaking down their perfectly-polished performances as they share laughs with the audience. Though some fine details require ironing out, the extraordinary talents of the individual members are clear. The solidification of a clear story throughout would raise this from impressive to a stroke of genius.
Cirque Kalabanté: WOW (World of Words), Assembly Hall, until 25 Aug, 4.10pm