MACROBATS
The one challenge in writing this review is my atypical, completely-blank notepad taken home from the theatre. But that’s with good reason. Duel Reality — which opened last night — makes it challenging to decide just what to look at on stage at times, let alone dare to look away for something as mundane as taking notes. This visual spectacle is a total delight, captivating throughout.
The see-saw thing ’¦ there are no words’¦
Kalani June and Gerardo Gutiérrez
The Old Globe took a chance on something extremely different last year, bringing in The 7 Fingers show Passengers, which had an implied story of folks on a train, but it was primarily a device for displaying brilliant acrobatic feats. The show was such a hit for the Globe that Artistic Director Barry Edelstein flew to Montreal to see what they were working on next and, upon seeing Duel Reality, booked it on the spot. Duel Reality ups the game in two ways: the acrobats are slightly superior to Passengers (did I mention the see-saw thing?) and there’s more flavor of a story than before, which suits the Globe even better. Especially when that story is Romeo and Juliet.
The Cast
Upon entering, the audience members are given red and blue armbands, based on where they are seated. Once the show starts, it becomes clear that we are at a match between two rival groups, showing off acrobatic fighting and trying to outdo the other team in stunts We are roused to cheer for our color’s endeavors when they outperform the opposing color. The constant push to get us to cheer our team’s victor borders on overkill but, admittedly, it’s also effective. This reviewer confesses a hint of ire when his redshirted woman takes a huge plunge down a pole, nearly crashing into the floor, and a referee character gave a point to those blue bastards.
Andreas De Ryck and Danny Vrijsen
But then something shifts and we discover they are not really teams, nor gangs as they appear. As microphones are passed among the performers, familiar Shakespearean lines are being quoted and it dawns on us, slowly but surely, that we are watching competition between the Montagues and Capulets. Sure enough, a Romeo and a Juliet (Gerardo Gutiérrez and Michelle Hernandez) emerge from their packs, make eye contact, and an acrobatic dance of first love ensues.
Andreas De Ryck and Danny Vrijsen
It would be stretching the truth to describe what happens from there as a plot, but there’s a clear sense that struggle between the families colors the bedazzling juggling, hoop dancing, pole tricks, and suspension maneuvers. And then there’s that see-saw thing ’¦ that unbelievable see-saw thing’¦
The Cast
A slipup occurred, but it didn’t hurt the show one bit; it made it more exciting. During the breathtaking antics of Andreas de Ryck in one of the most outstanding parts, there was a misstep which caused a gasp from the house. Ryck’s uncanny ability to compose himself in under a second — saving his partner from a potentially serious injury — led to a huge cheer. It’s the obvious risks that these twelve multitalented, international dynamos take that makes the show edgy. Beyond the stunts, there’s exquisite movement to behold, showcasing dance training as well.
The Cast
Three high-flying bravos to director Shana Carroll for coming up with this event, to acrobatic coach Francisco Cruz for helping these brilliant people get this good, and to The 7 Fingers’ players for their unfathomable training to make this possible. Then, an additional tip of the hat to Mr. Edelstein for presenting San Diegans more of what brilliant theater can be without fearing that it isn’t a straightforward play or musical. So long as their productions are this noteworthy, the Globe can proudly be whatever it wants to, even if I’ll never look at a see-saw the same way again.
The Cast
The other artists for Duel Reality include Daniela Corradi, Aerial Emery, Soen Geirnaert, Marco Ingaramo, Kalani June, Einar Kling-Odencrants, Santiago Rivera Laugerud, Arata Urawa, and Danny Vrijsen.
photos by Jim Cox
Michelle Hernandez and Gerardo Gutiérrez
Duel Reality
The 7 Fingers
The Old Globe, Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park
Tues-Thurs at 7; Fri at 8; Sat at 2 & 8; Sun 2 & 7
ends on Aug 4, 2024
for tickets (starting at $39), call 619.234.5623 or visit The Old Globe
Director Shana Carroll (Olivier Tetreault)