Gravity & Other Myths (GOM), responsible for the smash-hit 'A Simple Space', return to Adelaide Fringe with 'I Want To Touch You’.
Gravity & Other Myths (formed in Adelaide in 2009), aim to, with each show they present, push the boundaries of contemporary circus.
'I Want To Touch You' is a new physical theatre performance, and, in name alone, the perfect antidote to lockdowns and social distancing. Physical touch is important for everyone – especially acrobats!
For this new show, six of the company's acrobats will showcase their physical connection to one another, joined on stage by five-piece jazz band Nu Article. These bodies unite to investigate our innate desire to connect, and the obstacles that limit this.
'I Want To Touch You' was born from the lockdown era – a time when physical touch was limited and interacting with loved ones was purely digital.
Now it's time to come together, and what better way to do that than through the medium of acrobatics and theatre?
Here, GOM Company Director Lachlan Binns gives us more information on 'I Want To Touch You', before it hits the stage.
Tell us a bit about ‘I Want To Touch You’.
'I Want To Touch You' was made during the peak of the 2020 lockdowns. Our company of acrobats was stranded across the country isolated in their homes unable to do what they love. Out of that situation, we were reminded of our need for touch, both in acrobatics and in our personal lives. When we could once again come together, we used the seed of human touch to build this new work. We did a deep dive into all the ways we could touch, violent, caring, forceful, or soft. 'I Want To Touch You' is funny, it's touching (pun intended) it's spectacular and it's euphoric. It's everything you love about GOM. Spectacular acrobatics, playfulness, camaraderie, and virtuosic physicality.
What’s the main message you’re hoping to get across with the show?
Despite the difficult times, we must not lose sight of the human need for connection, collaboration, closeness, and of course physical touch.
Image © Matt Byrne
Where did the idea to put it together come from?
We seeded the show while in lockdown in 2020. We ran a programme called 'There's No I In Quaran-Team' where we ran creative tasks in our homes and backyards. We each would respond to a task with a filmed video and this formed the basis for much of the physical content you see in the show. Many of these videos are showcased on our social media channels.
‘I Want To Touch You’ has already won the Weekly Award For Best Circus, in 2021. How did it feel to win this?!
This was a fantastic way to premiere the show. In Adelaide, in front of our home crowd, at the festival where our company was born. Winning the award was a strong indicator that the show was resonating with a lot of people and we couldn't be more proud.
And what are you most looking forward to about presenting the show to Fringe audiences in 2022?
In late 2021 we jumped back into the rehearsal room and renovated the show, even more, we added content and polished what was already great. We're looking forward to showing audiences the new and improved version of the show. Of course, we also love the fantastic Adelaide audiences and the awesome atmosphere of the Fringe.
Image © Matt Byrne
Tell us a bit about the inclusion of a five-piece jazz band in the show.
Nu Article has been with us since day one. They responded to a 'score' prepared by our composer Ekrem Phoenix. The soundtrack is organic and fluid, with moments of improvisation and jamming and fantastic driving crescendos. The band has ignited the spark within the show and created fantastic soulful energy to the piece.
How do you think live music heightens the performance?
Particularly with this work, where the music can be improvised by a band with a serious sonic bond, the band really responds and reacts to what is happening on stage and vice versa. There is such a strong connection with the physical and the sound that it all blends into an amazing journey through the piece. It's something that you should try not to miss.
The ideal reaction to ‘I Want To Touch You’ is. . .
Joy, elation, and inspiration. We want people to leave the show exhilarated and wanting to go out and try to climb on the shoulders of their friends and families.
'I Want To Touch You' plays The Roundhouse at The Garden Of Unearthly Delights (Adelaide Fringe) 18 February-20 March.
