Jacob’s Pillow, Becket, MA
by Shera Cohen
Although not its first visit to Jacob Pillow, Circa Contemporary Circus’ performance for one week on the stage at the Ted Shawn Theatre was, with no hesitation, the most creative, awe-inspiring, and unique dance event at this noted venue this season. No wonder the full house.
For those familiar with many versions of Cirque de Soleil, Circa is similar in execution. This may be a fine point, but while Cirque is entertainment, Circa is art.
Founder Yaron Lifschitz termed Circa as an ensemble of exceptional, multi-skilled circus artists.
If this is a new form of contemporary dance style, bring it on! It is powerful, emotional, and unique. Paraphrasing The Age Magazine, Circa is the frontrunner of the new wave of contemporary Australian circus, developing physicality to prove powerful.
Is this dance? Movement? Theatre, Circus? It is all of these at once.
The troupe’s long piece, including intermission, was titled “Wolf”. By the stances of the dancers and their simple skin-tight beige costumes with black or brown geometric shapes, it was clear that each individual on stage, or groups, did become wolves. These young, lithe dancers were able to contort and meld their bodies to become the picture of a single wolf.
Without trapeze or net, exquisite costumes or sets, the artists relied on each other’s bodies as steps in order to build mountain tops. How high can they go? A lot higher than anticipated. The trust that each must give to the group is incredible. All the time, these human formation images were made directly and swiftly before the audience’s eyes – far more than tricks; each was an artistic depiction of a wolf or wolves in different environments, moods, or habits.
At the start of the dance performance, Executive & Artistic Director, Pamela Tatge, briefed the audience on what was about to take place. In her introduction, she stated, “You will find yourselves asking, ‘How’d they do that?’” She was right.
Unfortunately, Circa’s week has ended. Yet, eight full concerts remain, including those by famous, respected troupes like: Gauthier Dance, Brian Brooks Moving Company, San Francisco Ballet, Ephrat Asherie Dance, Ballet Hispanico New York, Haang Yi:Ink, and ending with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.
Dozens of one-shot dances take place on the outdoor Henry J. Leir Stage as well. The performers are soloists, duets, and ensembles. Like those on the two main stages, all are immensely talented professionals in their various genres which include: jazz, ethnic, ballet, traditional, and modern. Live music collaborations are the best programs, when two living art forms work together to create the best of both.
Jacob’s Pillow’s campus is serene and lovely, accentuating the performing arts in its theatres.
