Powerhouse physical theatre arrives at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s Assembly Roxy in the form of Rêves. The striking and poignant piece sees director Roman Khafizov and a cast of five magnetic Ukrainian performers delve into the power of our dreams – delivering compelling feats of physical majesty whilst stirring powerful emotions in its audience. Blending the ethereal world of dreams with strikingly intimate reflections of the power of the human body and spirit, Rêves is not to be missed.
Rêves blends contemporary circus art, breath-taking acrobatics, absorbing choreography, and physical theatre, as it takes audiences on a journey of memory, childhood, and the human spirit. Comprised of a number of group numbers and solo sections, each of the performers gets the opportunity to showcase their distinctive skillset resulting in a vibrant and varied theatrical experience.
The piece opens with powerful voiceover diving into the power of dreams and the aspirations felt in our youth – which gains an added poignancy given the obstacles that face many young Ukrainians in achieving their dreams due to the Russian invasion. The athletic cast begin a variety of routines including poignant, impeccably choreographed acrobatic numbers showcasing their physical talents – the fluidity and quiet power held in their refined movements, set against the atmospherically dark stage, provides an impressive visual spectacle.
There is an immense skill with a clear amount of training and perfecting packed into these routines. A fast-paced gymnastic juggling solo set to striking classical music proves captivating, the chiselled gymnast packing the number with a sense of perseverance and fight. A further solo number sees intense floor work routines delivered, whilst being heightened by the sculpted stone setting of the Assembly’s Roxy building.
A solo set showcasing powerful gymnastic flexibility follows – the talented young star using handstand canes to create visually striking and physically asserting routines that combine acrobatics with contortionism. Director Khafizov keeps things varied including utilising one of the performer’s skills with spinning discs. The final solo set takes the theme of dreams and injects it with an unsettling realism – a performing circus clown turns soldier in an asserting routine combining gymnastics and physical theatre with a sobering critique on wars and conflict.
The performers of Rêves fill their movements with a finesse, fluidity and theatricality which makes them magnetic to watch. In their refined movements they embody emotions of hope and fear, combining them with dreamy elements of surrealism and otherworldliness Each performer’s blood, sweat and tears are felt on this stage with the camaraderie as a troupe shining through in their group numbers. A poignant closing sequence – the simple lighting of a candle – brings the dream-infused message of Rêves to a very real and show-stopping conclusion.
Rêves showcases a Ukrainian culture, passion and power that is very much alive and thriving even in the face of adversity. This testament to the resilience and spirit of Ukraine, blends breathtaking physicality with poignant storytelling. This unforgettable performances from the skilled cast remind us of the enduring strength of dreams even in the darkest of times.
Purchase tickets here. Performances run from Wednesday 31st July – Sunday 25th August 2024 (not 11th-14th), 14:00 (60 minutes) at the Assembly Roxy.
Photos: Maria Volkova