Will the Fool ascend the tower to dwell in the chambers of the moon? Will the Hermit jump in a chariot and spin the wheel of fortune? You might discover the answers by checking out Tarot, the late night circus and cabaret show from the Feathers of Daedalus. In doing so, you’ll also get to see a thoroughly enjoyable and sultry slice of arcana and acrobatics.
A thoroughly enjoyable and sultry slice of arcana and acrobatics
The structure of the show is simple, but opens up a world of possibilities. Our host for the evening is the fabulously assured Tessa Blackman, who presides over the troupe of skilled performers that make up the Feathers. She picks out members of the audience for live Tarot readings, each card eliciting a unique performance from the dancers and acrobats on stage.
It’s an impressive feat which guarantees a different flavour of show each night. As the cards turn, the performers spring into action with the low snaking, sinuous tones of a live jazz-funk band underscoring impressive physical performances. It’s a captivating display and no less enchanting is the reading of the card from Blackman.
It’s no surprise to learn our host has a history of reading Tarot cards. She is fluid and perceptive with her interpretation of the deck, offering insights but not at the expense of the occasional laugh. No less fluid are the acrobatics of the young company. They move from dance to high-flying, spinning rope work to hand-balancing to strap to aerial hoop in a succession of breathless segments.
Tarot cards occupy an interesting place in our culture, from esoteric symbols of divination to prisms through which psychoanalysts can explore subconscious archetypes. This show infuses this powerful cultural imagery with music, energy and impressive, highly-charged physical performance. It makes for a very entertaining hour of circus artistry which should keep fans of high-flying acrobatics more than happy.
