Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents ACÉLÉRÉ CIRCOLOMBIA

The above appears in Director and Creative Producer Felicity Simpson’s note in the program for Circolombia, and this writer urges you to read the note in full when attending the performance. Her words offer the perfect introduction into what the audience is about to witness, which is an hour packed of singing, dancing, acrobatics, and aerial acts that are simply stunning. As the lights go down and the opening announcements begin, a voice booms over the speakers:

“If you do happen to see something you like, please do not hesitate to scream.”

And that is exactly what the audience did as the opening performers filled the space. The screaming for this particular performance in fact did not end until the last performer left the stage and the event, after a thrilling encore performance, finally came to an end.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents Acéléré Circolombia

Directed by Felicity Simpson and choreographed by Ryan Wilmott, CIrcolombia is comprised of a series of circus acts ranging from upbeat songs full of intense acrobatic routines to aerial acts that took performers up high above the stage. The Yard space at Chicago Shakespeare Theater transforms into a playground in which anything can happen. The audience is invited to respond however loudly they see fit, and this particular audience certainly rose to the occasion. The sea of patrons becomes a part of the action as the performers feed off of and respond to the cheers – helping draw us even further into the action.

Circolombia appears as the latest installment in the second DESTINOS: the Chicago International Latino Theater Festival. The aim of bringing these theatrical events together is to amplify the voices of Latinx artists. Speaking to that, at a key moment in Acéléré Circolombia, Juliana Valentina Toro Valesquez, one of the talented singers in the company, enters and appeals to the audience with the following:

“We want you to see us. We want you to hear us. And we want you to feel us.”

The moment was moving, and as Valesquez announced each sentence, the audience cheers only grew. It was easy to see from this writer’s seat that the festival was succeeding – this company arrived with a story to share, and those who received it were eager to do so.

Striking Collaboration

As the performance began, singers Juliana Valentina Toro Valesquez and Diana Particia Vargas Montoya are in the midst of wowing the audience with an opening number, and the acrobatic artists flip and move about the stage, showcasing both their dance and gymnastic strengths. Meanwhile Technical and Lighting Designer Loudon fills the stage with color, further contributing to the overall event that is taking place. This is a theatrical event for all the senses.

Suddenly all attention moves up to the mezzanine level of seating that overlooks the stage, and one of the performers stands at the ready. All lights go out below, creating absolute darkness except for a spotlight on the artist. Then, the performer dives into the darkness, and a gasp fills the room as the audience collectively takes a breath. Of course, there is a trampoline awaiting on stage, but this moment appropriately sets us up for everything that will follow – the audience will certainly witness that which might feel impossible.

Stunning Choreography

The performance is stunning! At one point aerial artists Cristian David Trivino Rincon and Laura Lucia Lloreda Martinez perform a ropes routine that takes them high above, and the flowing choreography is a gorgeous sight to see, in this writer’s view – in large part due to the performers’ strength. it starts with Rincon hooking his own feet into the ropes, and Martinez simply holds him as they lift into the air – without any kind of ropes attached to her. At various moments Martinez could be the one connected to the ropes with Rincon holding onto her limbs, or even one might hold the other by the hands alone. The duo shares weight and balance in ways that are jaw dropping, and elicited even more cheers from the audience.

Spectacular, powerful, and full of passion, Acéléré Circolombia is a performance like nothing that many of us have ever seen before.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Note: This is now added to the Picture this Post round up of BEST PLAYS IN CHICAGO, where it will remain until the end of the run. Click here to read — Top Picks for Theater in Chicago NOW – Chicago Plays PICTURE THIS POST Loves.

Cast:

Juan Carlos Acosta Morales… Perch Base, Ensemble
Juan David Campo Teran… Acrobatic Base, Russian Bar, Banquine
Jarrinson Cuero Martinez… Acrobatic Base, Russian Bar, Banquine
Mateo Giron Damas… Acrobat, Teeterboard, Ensemble
Sandra Ibanez Ramierez… Handstands, Perch
Cesar Steve Izeuierdo Acevedo… Acrobatic Base, Russian Bar, Banquine
Laura Lucia Lloreda Martinez… Arial Artist, Ensemble
Jefferson Londono Cartagena… Acrobatic Base, Russian Bar, Banquine
Wilmer Andres Matinez… Acrobatic Flyer, Russian Bar, Banquine, Teeterboard
Julia Alejandra Sanchez Aja… Cloudswing, Ensemble
Diego Rene Sanchez Barrera… Rigger, Ensemble
Laura Patricia Tenorio Cuan… Acrobatic Flyer, Russian Bar, Banquine
Juliana Valentina Toro Valesquez… Singer
Cristian David Trivino Rincon… Arial Artist, Ensemble
Diana Patricia Vargas Montoya… Singer