Overview
Traces is a unique circus show hitting Auckland for the first time that is performed and choreographed by 7 Fingers. 7 Fingers aka Les 7 Doigts de la Main are a Montreal based circus group formed in 2002. The 7 Fingers Company embodies the contemporary circus movement’s values: combining traditional circus techniques with theatrical elements like greater emphasis on story development and character. The personal aspect of Traces is what makes it unique. In a more intimate atmosphere than traditional circus – with only seven performers and limited backdrop and subtle costume – performers reveal personal details about themselves which attempts to connect with the audience on an emotional level. This means the show changes with the performers; making Traces dynamic and unique every time it is performed.
Choreographed by two of the company’s original members Shana Carroll and Gypsy Snider, Traces draws inspiration from West Side Story’s gang scenes and combines street elements like skateboarding and basketball with Chinese circus disciplines like hoop diving and pole climbing. The New York Times described the set of Traces as ragged and apocalyptic, and The Guardian summarized the show: “Traces is set in an urban bunker where everyone has to live – and take acrobatic risks – every single second, because there is no certainty tomorrow will come.”
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Traces has also been described as an attempt for circus to tackle post 9/11 social anxiety, and to integrate the level of exposure expected from a social-networking fluent generation.