The show begins with a woman singing, suspended from the ceiling as her crimson red skirt cascades down to the stage. Her melancholic voice ebbs and flows, filling the tent. Suddenly, the sound of a beating heart joins in, starting faintly and growing louder. It’s a moving performance that feels intimate and raw. Circolombia: Corazón opens its heart with its debut at the Edinburgh Fringe, direct from Colombia. The cast of five members will captivate you with their singing, dancing, and daring acrobatics.
A love letter to Colombia
Colombia is known for its rich culture of music, dance, cuisine, and language. This show highlights some aspects of Colombia's vibrant culture but doesn't fully cover its breadth. However, no single show could truly capture it all. Corazón serves as a captivating introduction that sparks interest and curiosity, rather than a comprehensive exploration.
You will witness a stunning array of flying acrobatics, singing, dancing, and tumbling. Each performer embodies a character with a unique skill, gradually revealed as the show progresses. They support each other as the small cast takes turns on stage. The charismatic MC holds the show together. She is sassy and witty, masterfully engaging the audience with her charm and quick humour. Meanwhile, the rest of the members, who are acrobats, display their incredible talents with breathtaking stunts and seamless coordination. Their abilities truly shine, especially towards the end of the performance. Although the show has some pacing issues, with the first half moving slowly and delaying audience gratification, the second half more than compensates with its captivating display of talent.
Colourful costumes dazzle, giving each member a unique personality and look, including a masked strongman. The show's dramatic lighting highlights the flying acrobatics overhead. They perform to and interpret a diverse range of music, including 80s Latin hits, freestyle rap, mambo, and cumbia. The stage is a long walkway with a circular platform at the end, providing a good view from every angle. Props and rigs are changed throughout the performance as new acrobatics are introduced.
Corazón is more than just a circus performance; it's about having fun, and it's evident that the cast enjoys their time on stage. They laugh and interact with each other during comedy skits, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. There is also some audience participation that warmly invites everyone into Colombian culture. You will also learn some Spanish along the way. Corazón is truly a love letter to Colombia.
