We sent our reviewer Damian to see The 7 Fingers: Duel Reality

This is an astounding piece of theatre. Or perhaps opera – incorporating, as it does, live music, singing, gymnastics, dance, acting, and a story.

This is an astounding piece of theatre. Or perhaps opera – incorporating, as it does, live music, singing, gymnastics, dance, acting, and a story.

While queuing, we are assigned red or blue wristbands which determine the doors we enter by, and where we sit. The stage is lit half in blue, half in red. Soon a brawl breaks out on the stage. Half the performers wear red, half are in blue, the sides are clear, and the audience is encouraged to support their team!

Performers are being thrown through the air or wrestled to the ground. It’s very impressive to watch, though a little confusing from a narrative perspective as often red and blue “enemies” cooperate to perform tricks.

As this segment concludes, lines from Romeo and Juliet are shared between the cast. (I don’t think I’m giving anything away as the show’s blurb heavily hints this is an inspiration). I wasn’t able to clearly hear the words, which is a shame, but that wasn’t critical – it’s clear that we’re witnessing a feud and a love story.

What follows is a series of fantastic gymnastics, juggling and dance roughly following the trajectory of the play. We have battling while pole dancing, beautiful juggling (sometimes using clubs and balls as dance props), aerial work and more!

The lighting is fairly minimalist, and very well designed. Music and choreography change mood throughout.

Via romantic dancing between the couple and an aggressive, gymnastic duel, I felt this show finally put the sex and violence into R&J that was missing in the “traditional” theatrical production I saw at school.

The creators took the story to a different conclusion, and the audience watched in stunned awe as it transpired. Then there was applause!

***** 5 Stars