A circus spectacle of other-worldly proportions has landed at Adelaide Fringe –– a reimagining of an award-winning circus extravaganza: 'LIMBO – The Return’.
Strut & Fret, the folks behind 'Blanc de Blanc' and 'The Party', bring 'LIMBO – The Return' to the festival for a triumphant international debut, as the headline show at The Garden of Unearthly Delights.
It features a cast of circus luminaries from all over the place, performing feats of circus and acrobatics, intoxicating cabaret, and heart-pounding live music.
One of the many artists taking to the stage for this fresh, outrageously entertaining experience, is French gravity-defying Chinese pole master, beatboxer and clown, Mikael Bres. Here, we speak to Mikael about the longevity of 'LIMBO', its fresh new coat of paint, and what audiences can expect.
'LIMBO' premiered more than a decade ago. What do you think has kept audiences coming back every time?
People keep coming because every time you see the show there are so many different things to see, one day you’ll focus on a specific artist and the other day you’ll watch the whole show. Each one of the artists has a strong personality and skills, the music is awesome and all together that creates this amazing show.
Tell us about your role within the world of 'LIMBO'.
In 'LIMBO' I'm the Chinese pole artist, a six metre pole and I'm doing acrobatics on it, defying gravity. I’m playing music as well, joining the band for a few songs and dancing.
You’ve been working on/touring the show since the original 'LIMBO'! How has it been to be part of this for as long as you have?
Touring the world with friends, creating a family, each show a new adventure and creating memories across continents, the stage becomes our global playground, and every performance an opportunity to connect with diverse cultures. Together, we weave stories that transcend borders, united by the universal language of art, circus and the magic of shared experiences.
Can you pinpoint a particular moment or a particular show that stands out for you in those years? What is it and why?
Apart from the fact of being on the road for so many years together, one of the craziest moments was when Madonna came to see the show and talked with us at the end backstage, she loved it and was so enthusiastic about it. It was in London in 2013.
What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned while being a part of this company?
The greatest lesson is to perform no matter what, doing our best at every show cause it's what we do, we have to be professionals and stick to it.
You’re happiest on stage when … _________ .
When I see people reacting to what they see, when I've done the best I could to make them pause for the time of the show and escape.
What can audiences expect in 'LIMBO – The Return'?
Great acts, nostalgia of the original 'LIMBO', with the music, the atmosphere of the Spiegeltent and they might recognise some original faces that they could have seen years ago!
What’s the ideal response of an audience member after seeing this show?
“What did i just see?! I have to come back. . . And as well. . . What is the phone number of the pole dancer? ;)”
What’s the best thing about Adelaide Fringe?
It's the energy of Adelaide during this six weeks, seeing old friends from other shows from all around the world, making new friends, seeing shows, making people happy with all the performances.
'LIMBO – The Return' plays The Spiegeltent at The Garden of Unearthly Delights (Adelaide Fringe) 16 February-17 March.
