Slava’s Snowshow

This is an extraordinary spectacle that is best described as a unique and awe-inspiring theatrical experience created by the renowned Russian-born, Paris-based performer, Slava Polunin. The approach to the artistry of clowning is deeply steeped in European traditions and is defined by a distinctive tragi-comic quality. The show draws on a variety of theatrical practices such as pantomime and theatre of the absurd. Most notably, the slow and sometimes heavy movements of the characters or their deadpan facial expressions allude to theatrical masters such as Samuel Beckett. Nonetheless, this is a family friendly show that is delightful and captivating.

The performance is remarkably simple and breaks down moments of human interaction to their most basic elements. There is no story, just a sequence of exchanges that are frequently surreal. The delicacy and finesse with which these exchanges are delivered is as mesmerising and striking as the colourful and ingenious staging. While the movement and gestures are predominantly minimalist the costumes, make up and the set are larger than life, exaggerating colour, dimension, shape, and space. The contrast works extremely well, transporting the audience (young and old) into a fantastical state of childhood. The aesthetics are cohesive and bold and operate to effectively draw the audience into a space that can easily be associated with magical realism. The show adds a three-dimensional aspect to all of these features by frequently bursting the action into the auditorium and overwhelming the audience in an incredibly joyous and playful manner.

Slava’s Snowshow transforms the theatre into a fabulous atmospheric space where snow, in all its forms and manifestations, completely overtakes and rules the domain. Above all, the performance defies all expectations of how snow can be represented on a stage. Be prepared to be completely blown away, and to be forced to access your inner child (which you may even find quite confronting). This is a show that has to be experienced to be believed.

Patricia Di Risio 

Photographer: Veronique Vial