Created by Darian Kaulahou
Produced by Sonder, San Diego, USA
Review by Cristina Paolozzi
PG / Audience participation
The digital meets reality in this short but sweet performance by Sonder’s Darian Kaulahao.
In an unsuspecting setting (Café Alternatif is in a basement cafeteria at UOttawa) a series of QR codes adorn an easel, where a silent painter invites the audience to scan it, and watch the incredible circus feats unfold.
The media used to bring these digital performances to your screen — like aerial silks, ropes, and a hula hoop act — is interesting as it is manipulatable and brings an intimacy to these daring acts.
Image from C0nt3. Photo provided.
As one of the first performances at the festival, the tension between the audience and the performer was palpable. But once the show got started, the familiar connection was established, and the audience was able to interact with and contribute to the flow of the show.
While an interesting concept, it’s roughly a 30 minute performance, watching various videos on your phone screens — so make sure to come prepared with a charged phone that’s able to connect to the internet.
This is a great show to see if you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Fringe and appreciate the combination of tech and circus arts. But make sure to arrive a little ahead of time, as the location is a little awkward to find at first.
C0nt3 is playing at ODD Box from June 12–22. Tickets are $14 plus service fees at the Fringe box office (3rd floor, Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave.), and at the three satellite box offices (LabO in the Ottawa Art Gallery, Fringe Courtyard, 67 Nicholas St and La Nouvelle Scène). Five and ten Show Passes are also available. Visit the Ottawa Fringe Festival’s website for the show’s schedule and check out their online schedule here.
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