STUNT LOUNGE
STUNT LOUNGE, Flying Fruit Fly Circus and Sydney Opera House at The Studio, 14-17 April 2016. Photography by Darcy Grant.
BY FELICITY (12) and JAMES (10) DAYHEW
From backwards walkovers, to lying on a bed of nails, Stunt Lounge by the Flying Fruit Fly Circus was amazing and captivating, and nothing like I’ve ever seen before. Even on a reasonably small stage, they still managed great stunts and acrobatics. The actors/dancers/acrobats were incredibly strong and did breath-taking flips and jumps, and they are only 19 or younger!
With flips and rolls and somersaults it was very cool to see. The performances were astonishing and there was not one word spoken. It was made up of two girls and three guys who worked together so well. It starts with all of the group together, then solo acts and then partners and then back to the whole group.
The part about this performance we liked the most was that, even when or if they messed up, they kept going. I actually thought that the best part was the fact that they did mess up a few times, to prove they are still human, and to impress they didn’t have to be perfect.
In the beginning they were jumping through small hula hoops. They were in continuous backflips while remaining in the hoop. This showed that they were very flexible and strong.
The set, although simple and not very extravagant, still made a big impact on the performance. A couch in the middle of the stage and sheets of a dirty white colour with gold hula-hoops strewn around gave the image of not a very formal circus. It was, in a way like a bedroom of a teenager, messy and unorganised.
The simplicity of the set did not give you an idea of what was to come. From the start they were cleaning the “room” and then they moved into some hoop work. It is amazing that they made it look so simple. There was a red door on the side and we wanted to know what was behind it.
OUR favourite act was when Jess Mews and AJ Saltalamacchia performed a duet with a hoop. The choreography was beautiful and the way they worked together was excellent. We were surprised at how many things they could do with a hoop!
Stunt Lounge was an astounding and beautiful performance that captivated and enticed me with amazing acrobatics and tricks. I definitely recommend for you to see this, although probably for 11+ (or mature 10 year olds) We really enjoyed this and we hope you all do too.
NB: Stunt Lounge is part of the Opera House’s Children, Families and Creative Learning program, a year-round series of performances and creative experiences for young people. Keep up to date by joining us on our Facebook page: Sydney Opera House – Kids and Families
