If you think you’ve seen crazy strength and fitness levels before, think again. The international hit “Backbone”, from renowned Australian circus company Gravity & Other Myths, literally tosses around the perception of what strength is, where it comes from, and how it’s measured. With an ensemble of 10 performers and 2 on-stage musicians, “Backbone” had the audience’s jaws on the floor on opening night at Vancouver Playhouse Theatre. Fun for the whole family, this masterpiece of a show is a celebration of human interconnectedness and is somehow very moving without any spoken word.
The performers all work together to bring this beautiful production to life and make their incredible feats of strength and flexibility look graceful and dance-like. It isn’t until the music quiets and lights are bright that you can hear them gasping for air and see the sweat dripping. The impressive acrobatics are enhanced by sound and light effects which get the audience leaning forward, fully engaged in what’s happening on stage and scared that if they look away for just a second they might miss something. From doing dozens of backflips in a row to throwing each other around like toys to creating 3-person high human pyramids while completely blind, “Backbone” is wild and daring. It’s also charmingly informal! While the performers pull their stunts off perfectly in sync, the way they relate to each other is like friends having a great time instead of like professionals hard at work. Not only is it stunning, “Backbone” is actually quite funny too! You absolutely don’t want to miss this unique show, testing the limits of physical, emotional, individual and collective strength. Backbone is on now until November 4th. For tickets, visit The Cultch.
By Contributing Writer: Nicole Alivojvodic
ILiveInEastVan.com 
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