Last night was the premiere of the show BARKA, at the opening of the Complètement cirque festival which will be held until July 17th. In a festive atmosphere and a bit of philosophy, the multidisciplinary company GIROVAGO transports us to its imaginary boat, where everyone’s dreams are tangled, to the frantic rhythm of Colombian Caribbean percussion.
Under the big top of TOHU, a dancer takes place in the audience, then a singer who starts a first song. Percussion, clarinet, saxophone, tuba and violin then gradually take the stage and follow the singer. From the start, we are swept away by the dancing and festive rhythms that fill the marquee. The dance also unites with the sounds with three principal dancers who approach long colored skirts, as in Colombia, where the creators of the company originate.
Through the lyrics of the song, but also the narration, we quickly understand that these happy characters want to take us in their boat, where everyone can imagine their wildest dreams.
The celebrations are in full swing. In a touching complicity, the 11 artists flood the stage in their good humor, stroll and tease each other. For 1h30, this merry mess will be the common thread of this creation. But it goes beyond mere entertainment. Indeed, throughout the show, the traditional circus apparatus is used in a very ingenious way. Cyr’s wheel serves as the boat’s steering wheel, for example, the balance boards are used both for the acrobats, but also for the singer who uses each edge of the stage, the poles sometimes become stages for a few musicians…
Thus, the numbers follow one another without being expected. They blend into the narration and the constant construction and deconstruction of decorative elements, themselves used as apparatus. Circassian songs and technical skills intertwine, constantly captivating the public. He then follows the marine adventure through a rope performance, balancing games or even juggling with bowling pins.
In addition, the artists repeatedly invite the spectators to participate. It is then a question of entering the dance, singing and clapping all together. The cold marquee then heats up and becomes a real party.
Optimism and reflection
Beyond the circus performance, whose technique remains unpretentious, the company seeks to go further and deliver a story. Indeed, regardless of the perfect control of the movements, the accuracy of the postures, we become attached to the characters and their crossing of the ocean. From A to Z, we are suspended on the lips of the narrator who explains the unfolding of the situation and we always remain in joy thanks to the more than catchy music.
Thus, one thing leads to another, the story goes beyond the circus and even leads to reflection. Indeed, it is the unknown who awaits his happy sailors. Are they too eager to go elsewhere? Have they taken the time to listen in order to move forward on this new path? Although he has been warned by a wacky and clumsy character, the crew continues to sail until… we won’t say the end so as not to divulge those who wish to embark on BARKA.
The merry crew delivers through their gestures, their music and their dance a light and humorous creation. But this again goes beyond simple naivety and pleasure. It also reveals the importance of the community, the team and the constant benevolence between them.
Finally, a great optimist comes out of this room. Despite the hardships, despite the enigmatic variables, the sailors remain still and happy, always ready to party and find the positive side in each situation. We start from there with a big smile on our lips, the harmonies of the south in our hearts.