Urban

Halfway through this all Columbian quasi-circus production presented by a selection of street-life characters fit for the boxing or wrestling arena, one cast member recounted somewhat poetically his progression from an existence of hard labour and poverty in Cali city's infamous 13:13 suburb to life as a travelling performer. This, along with a triple-screen background of moving pictures, evoked a vivid impression of the show's cultural roots. The acrobatics we've seen before, but not presented in this idiom: this was unpretentious, raw energy and muscle with some breath-taking tight-rope, rope swinging, see-saw, hoop and trapeze antics. 

There was a brief brush with an amusing clown-like compere and some audience participation but mainly the show was a muddled combination of acts thrown in a pot, steamed up and served unashamedly along with a side dish of reggaeton and Latin hip-hop.

Though in contrast to the sophistication and finesse of a Cirque du Soleil, Urban still had the audience gasping, clapping and cheering and one couldn't help thinking what a great vehicle this is for these people from a city of joy and violence where dance and music are the safety valves of everyday life.

The second last act featured a single performer walking a tight rope on a sharp angle from bottom to top in absolute silence. A worthy expression of an evening of perseverance and achievement fit for all the family.

Brian Adamson