FestivalsPhysical TheatreReviewScotland

Ghost Light: Between Fall and Flight – Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024, Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows

Reviewer: Alex Gibson

Ghost Light illuminates the stage with a fusion of high acrobatics and theatrical tradition, inspired by the eerie glow of a solitary bulb. The dimly lit stage sets the mood for an exploration of human relationships, where performers skilfully illustrate the journey of connection and separation.

The performance centres around two performers launched into the air via a Korean plank, a metaphor for the stages of a relationship. Initially, performers in white coats represent the polite beginnings of relationships, where courtesy and cautious movement reflect the early efforts to understand one another’s timing and rhythm.

As the narrative progresses, the performers transition from white (innocent) to brightly coloured jackets (personality), symbolising the growth and changes people undergo as they evolve together or apart. This visual change highlights the adjustments and compromises that come with time and shared experiences. The journey moves from the awkward beginnings of “oh no, you” to the strained “can you just not?”

The plank serves as a platform for acrobatic feats, and the performers showcase spellbinding synchronised movements, embodying the give-and-take of relationships. Each leap and landing represents the empathy required to walk in someone else’s shoes and the delicate balance needed to maintain harmony.

Face paint further underscores the theme of maintaining a facade for the outside world. The choreography juxtaposes the playful nature of relationships with underlying tensions, capturing the complexity of human connections.

In the final act, the gradual removal of coats signifies the separation that can occur as individuals grow apart. The sound of a tree falling and a collapsing column of light poignantly echo the breakdown of balance, leaving the audience with a sense of inevitable loss.

Despite the ending not fully tying together all these elements, Ghost Light is a testament to the dedication and skill of its performers. Their physical strength and precise timing create a compelling showcase that resonates with anyone intrigued by the subtleties of human interaction.

Runs Aug 9-11, 13-18, 20-24 | Image: Contributed

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Balancing Act Relationships Acrobatics

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