Dear reader, pity me for a moment.
Have mercy on me, for I have the tricky job of trying to convince myself and others that just one show in the 1000+ this month is worth your time. How can you ever give five stars when everything seems amazing? Are they really that good?Are my standards too low? (I really doubt it as I can be a picky bastard.)
Anyways, Azimut was the most incredible spectacle that I have seen in a long while. There is abundant trickery and mastery. The performers effortlessly scale a grid that rises above the stage and draw as many gasps as laughs from the crowd. How did they get up there? What the hell are they doing now? Shit, I’m glad they are tied up.
It is all so perfect that you really can’t believe it. Obviously it is not impossible. The great skill is sustaining the illusion that it could be. With strength and grace, your eyes are glued to the stage, baying for more impressive feats that belittle your own meagre sense of balance and agility.
Sitting amongst the dignitaries like the Premier, the Governor and other wrist-banded VIPs (oh yes, I brought the tone down weary my spilt beer and my food-splattered shorts), there was a feeling of expectation. This show was chosen to represent everything the festival aspires to be for people that ultimately decide if it should continue or not. It challenges, surprises and constantly delights. Azimut is fun even for those far beyond the typically aged, arty set the Festival, under artistic director David Sefton, is so desperate to get beyond.
By the time you read this, Azimut will likely be gone. I can’t ask you to go see it but just make sure that you put your money somewhere, see something even if you have your doubts because that is the true joy of the festival season – being truly, unexpectedly astounded.
We are so very spoilt this time of year – do make the most of it!
By Robbie Slape.
Azimut played at the Festival Centre until March 1st. There is still a lot of other things happening for the Festival of Arts including Blinc which is a large-scale digital projection gallery set on the banks of the River Torrens, at Elder Park. It will delight nightly until the Festival ends on March 15. Tickets and more info on the website.
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