Mending Differences with Acrobatics – Duel Reality

Oct 11, 2024 by Two Sues On the Aisle

By Two Sues on the Aisle, Susie Rosenbluth and Sue Weston

High-energy, acrobatic performance Duel Reality, a circus-infused love story performed by The 7 Fingers performing troupe reimagines Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet in a way that is appropriate for children of all ages. Created and directed by Shana Carroll, the show will leave you breathless and wanting more.

It will only be at the McCarter Theater from October 9 – 13.

This unconventional show begins with what seems to be an altercation in the audience, two men loudly arguing, before pushing onto the stage, and beginning a masterfully choreographed performance. the stage gradually fills, red and blue, and opposing teams mock-fight, flip, spin, and execute utterly captivating stunts. The stage resembles a basketball arena, a smooth black surface with a white circle and poles in the center, lit red and blue. Similarly, the audience is divided, those sitting on the right are given red wristbands, and those on the left wear blue.

We cheered as our teams competed against each other, executing awe-inspiring feats and performing outrageous acts. During the competition, two performers from opposite teams, Romeo & Juliet see each other, fall in love, and must fight to be together.

Circus Performances

Performed on stage without protective harnesses or ropes, the performers climbed a 25-foot-tall pole and allowed themselves to fall—stopping just before they reached the ground. The referee uses a measuring tape to see who won, getting closest to the ground before stopping. Other segments include juggling, an impressive hula-hoop routine, aerial stunts with chains, and performance using a teeterboard (basically a see-saw) to propel each other into the air flipping, spinning, and landing safely.

The constant activity, especially during the opening scene, was overwhelming, making it difficult to know where to focus your attention first. Each performance melts into the next, with classical dance merged into aerobic dives and divers who fused into a sea of color as performers from both teams supported each other, signaling their ability to transcend beyond their differences.

Rewriting the end of the Romeo & Juliet story, the actors/acrobats shed their colors, and connect, wearing basic black. The plot is fluid, including a smattering of the Shakespeare play quoted during the performance.

Duel Reality reminds us of our ability to unite and see beyond our differences while providing a performance that kept us on the edge of our seats.

The 7 Fingers

Performed by the Montreal-based art collective, The 7 Fingers, (Les 7 Doigts de la Main) established in 2002 to “redefine circus by stripping down the spectacle to its thrilling essence.” The 7 Fingers performances celebrate our world, our time, and our humanity, telling human stories with superhuman skills.

Masterful Must See

Duel Reality from The 7 Fingers is the ultimate spectacle, a 75-minute performance crossing between the circus and ballet, daring acrobatics, involved in skill-based battles. The performers are not flawless, which adds a level of fear. We worried for their safety and marveled at their abilities, caring less over time who won or lost, watching as the game brought them closer together.

Two Sues on the Aisle bases its ratings on how many challahs (1-5) it pays to buy (rather than make) to see the play, show, film, book, or exhibit being reviewed.

Duel Reality received 4 Challahs

Running time is 75 minutes without an intermission