Joining two art forms, orchestra and acrobatics, LOUDER is much more than just the mere slapping together of the two. This production showcases a unique offering; an opportunity for audiences to bear witness to the evolution of acrobatics and orchestra. And they do it together.
Director and visionary, Darcy Grant, eloquently observes that, “contemporary circus and orchestral music are engaged in exactly the same project. Both are living traditions. Both are negotiating the relationship between inheritance and reinvention. Both are constantly deciding what deserves to be carried forward.” LOUDER appears to be an experimentation in assessing the future of the circus and the orchestra, while we, as the audience, see the transformation of each, together, in real time. And who would have thought that these art forms could work so well together?
The Metropolitan Orchestra, led by Music Director and Conductor, Sarah-Grace Williams, is a brilliant orchestra featuring instruments such as violin, trumpet, piano, flute, and horn, and play beautifully. They also interact seamlessly with the acrobatic performers, becoming their own unique characters in the show. This, in itself, is a great step forward in lifting the veil and removing some of the anonymity that orchestras often have (especially when involved in a production as accompaniment to the ‘main performers’, often unseen and hidden under the stage). The interaction between conductor Williams and the acrobats is particularly amusing, especially when their roles are reversed.
The phenomenal talent of these acrobats cannot be ignored and they all need to be named here; Ash Youren, David Trappes, Em Gare, Georgia Webb, Hamish McCourty, Issy Estrella, Léann Gingras, and Skip Walker-Milne. Not only are they immensely talented, but they also all exhibit a real strength, grace, and unique performability. These artists do not merely showcase a handful of tricks, one after the other. They are storytellers through superhuman movement (and do have a little bit of a chat too). These acrobats had the audience hold their breath, cackle with laughter, applaud, gasp, and even had us singing in tune (kind of).
LOUDER is really a show not to be missed and has such a limited season at Sydney Opera House. Get in quick to witness the reinvention of contemporary circus and orchestral music.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Reviewer attended on 26 June 2026.
LOUDER is playing from 25 – 28 June 2026 at the Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House – Tickets available here: LOUDER
Photo credit: Daniel Boud
