Ockham’s Razor, winners of the Total Theatre and Jacksons Lane Award for Circus at the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe, is to bring its fusion of circus and sculpture, Belly of the Whale, to the Stockton International Riverside Festival on 4 and 5 August.
The Belly of the Whale structure comes alive during the show, with the performers riding a giant semi-circular see-saw made of wood and steel which transforms from a catapult to a gently rocking cradle, to a tunnel, to a slide, creating an ever-changing land and soundscape.
The concept of the belly of the whale is found in mythology around the world—what happens when we confront our fears and come face to face with the power and momentum of things we seemingly can’t change?
The Belly of the Whale structure is a sculpture in its own right and very much a fourth character, reflecting the narrative and aiding the invention of the piece.
“In this current climate,” director Tina Koch commented, “it can often feel like you are fighting with giants, running against walls, being thrown, faced with challenges and changes seemingly beyond your control. Our work is a reflection of the world how we experience it.
"This show is about three people coming face to face with their biggest challenge and the different ways they deal with it. It is about daring to jump into the unknown, perseverance and ultimately discovering that you can go it alone but you can go further when you join forces.”
The piece is 45 minutes long and there will be three performances in Stockton High Street Car Park on Saturday at 2:45 and on Sunday at 2:00 and 8:00.