The 7 Fingers (Les 7 Doigts de la Main) is one of the world’s most inventive contemporary circus companies, and is currently running at the Peacock Theatre in London’s West End. Its production TRACES has been well received by audiences, each rooting for the cast to fly higher, swoop lower and tumble faster. With some bungled tricks and a couple of missed hands, this feeling was made so much stronger as a bigger round of applause was gleaned from the audience.
TRACES combines traditional acrobatics with street elements, mixing theatre and contemporary dance, skateboarding, Chinese poles and Diablo. The acute mix of acrobatics, performance, song, piano and basketball kept the performance moving seamlessly, however the context of the performance and the cast was unclear and weak. Despite this, it is clear TRACES redefines the art of circus.
TRACES has been performed over 1,700 times in 23 countries, with London privy to the production until mid-July. The company originated in Quebec, a huge source for circus and entertainment of this kind. Another descendant of its circus school industry is the spectacular Cirque du Soleil, which adds strong narrative and entertainment to its highly skilled performances, each differing hugely.
Next The 7 Fingers is off on its world tour; the collective was formed ten years ago with its founding members Shana Caroll and Gypsy Snider choreographing this particular production. The feats are impressive which a variety of cast members undertaking the different elements. Even younger audiences can delight in the performers scaling tall Chinese poles and the comic relief from the danger by the talented, unique cast. Tumbling through metal hoops and being launched into the air by the others is all part and parcel of the show, a delight to see and a creation of anticipation for the next production of circus entertainment to hit the Peacock Theatre.