Dispersion

Dispersion is a mesmerising, unbelievable piece of circus artistry that promises great things from the artists involved. Performed by the second-year ensemble of the National Institute Of Circus Arts and directed by Zebastian Hunter and Meredith Kitchen, the show brilliantly employs features of traditional circus in a context that feels modern and sophisticated. 

While the show’s materials mention the theme of exploring cultural identity, the description worked less as a firm through-line between the acts and more as a box to keep the show from tripping over itself with the multitude of its ideas. This is perhaps most clear in the first quarter or so, where all 15 members of the ensemble are on stage at once, to the point it isn’t clear where the audience is supposed to be looking. Some directorial choices were questionable, such as the lack of light in the opening moments, and suggested a lack of certainty as to what the show was supposed to be – the abstract thematics don’t always tie together well with the physical marvel of the show. But after the confusion of the opening acts, the show finds its feet and there’s a stunning moment (or four) in each tightly paced act.

As individuals, the performers were stunning and charismatic – on the stage and with their blisteringly precise movements. Solo moments were unfailingly spectacular, as were the parts done in pairs or small groups — a gripping sequence involving several corde lisse ropes remained the highlight. The music, scored by Dr Jenny Game-Lopata and performed by Chris Lewis and Kathleen Halloran gives the show a sense of cohesiveness. Rather than any unambiguous theme, the more important link between each part of the show is a dark, dreamlike sense of wonder. The precision of each complex movement, seemingly done with nearly no sign of exertion, synchronises with the music and the lighting to create a tangible atmosphere. In the glimpses of something unifying on a grander level, Dispersion became something profound.

If you’re looking for a fun night out spent doing something a little different, we urge you to give Dispersion a try.