#Fly on The Wall
Citrus Arts with Wales Millennium Centre
Directed by Philip Mackenzie
Venue: Weston Studio, Wales Millennium Centre
Date attended: 7th April 2010
Reviewed by Chelsey Gillard
Photos from Citrus Arts Group Page
Graduates of the WMC Incubator Project, Citrus Arts use their expertise in circus, dance and aerial effects to “represent themes and environments, rather than characters and stories.” In doing so they have created a world where the British people are protesting like never before.
In the modern world normal people are finding more ways than ever to get their opinions heard using Twitter, Facebook and personal blogs. As the “#” in the title suggests the company found inspiration in many of these online sources, as well as more conventional newspaper articles. Using these genuine sources the company developed a montage of abstract images and moulded them together to form a cohesive narrative.
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| High Enery Acrobatic Moves |
Highlighting the hypocrisy of politicians, the police, the media and even the protesters themselves the company gives a balanced view of the argument. This is reinforced by a giant screen behind the actors, which gives the audience a view from a different angle, reminding that things aren’t always what they seem.
The production dealt with the fact that it isn’t always easy to get your opinions heard. A protestor, suspended by one wrist persistently tries to get the attention of a politician who steadfastly ignores him. After repeated attempts the protestor was left spinning from the ceiling, with no way out and no way to make his point. This chilling scene went some way to explain why it is that some people turn to more violent methods of protest; they feel it is the only way they will be listened to.
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| Gas Masks Represented the Police |
But one of the main themes was that protests should be a form of celebration rather than uncontrolled violence. No matter how hard it is to get the point across, aggression isn’t an option. One of the protestors says “they” will be waiting for the first broken window but we have to be more positive than that. The idea that the protest should be a carnival with music and dancing was a very powerful one, especially with the acrobatic skills the company could offer. When a crowd control barrier was raised from the floor and one of the performers ran all over it in mid air, it gave a real sense of freedom; the establishment will never hold you back if you are determined enough.
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| Incredible Stunts Added Drama |
The whole production was very abstract and I’m sure each person in the audience will have a completely different reaction to it. For me it made me want to learn more about the politics that affect my everyday life and become more involved in making a positive difference to the world around me. The reporter in the show says “I’m impartial so you don’t have to be” and I think that is a really important point; we should all make more of an effort to use the resources available to make our own informed decisions and not always go with the easy choice.
Intense, active and emotional, the cast perform with such conviction that they can turn even the most abstract choreography into a beautiful metaphor for the state of the country. In the after show talk, director Philip Mackenzie said he hates companies to peak too soon. Citrus Arts definitely didn’t peak until the exact right moment and I would urge everyone to go and see this show!
Performances also at Pontardawe Arts Centre, 14th April, 8pm
Galeri, Caernarfon, 13th May, 7.30pm
For booking or more information please visit: http://www.citrusarts.co.uk
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| Stunning Finale |
Citrus Arts are Bridie Doyle and James Roberts
#Fly on The Wall was performed by:
Bridie Doyle
Gustav Lundstrom
Zoe Mills
John Norton
James Roberts
Fran Widdowson
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