The Brooklyn based all-female acrobatic troupe LAVA is known for their wonderful and thought-provoking performances. Their newest show Encyclopedia, running at The Flea Theater June 2-12, is certainly no exception. Encyclopedia combines a number of dance, acrobatic, and aerial skills to create an intriguing kaleidoscope of performance art.
Show Stoppers
What was truly enjoyable about Encyclopedia was the show's ability to use acrobatics purposefully to convey meaning. Each act seemed to have its own unique theme, but they were all powerful in their delivery.
One act which was especially interesting was one in which the performers each selected a different pair of shoes lining the front of the stage. It was humorous at times watching an aerialist pose on trapeze in sandals or work-boots. I then found myself thinking about what each type of shoe seemed to say about the wearer and why the combination seemed odd or unexpected.
What I Didn't Expect
Each performance piece in Encyclopedia had elements of drama, action, and even comedy. I found myself laughing at certain points in the show and then thinking about the meaning behind even some of the more silly or playful actions happening on stage. The grace and movement in the show was so mesmerizing that I sometimes fell into an almost meditative state watching the performers.
A notable performance piece was the duo trapeze act, in which the performers sang in beautiful two-part harmony while sitting, climbing, and posing on the apparatus. I was starting to sweat just watching them!
Final Thoughts
Encyclopedia was a show that made me pleased to call myself an acrobat. The amount of information and ideas passed from the performers to the audience using only action and movement was inspiring. All I can really say in summary is that Encyclopedia is not your average dance show.
For more info about LAVA and their show Encyclopedia, head to the LAVA website. Encyclopedia runs at The Flea Theater June 2-12. More information and tickets can be found here.
LAVA Studio
524 Bergen Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
718-399-3161
*Note: This article is part of Eric Eliacin's "Circus Arts in New York" series.
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