‘3, 2, 1’ a show beyond words.
Keep in Touch opens with an analogue telephone where the shape, sound, imagery and meaning of a phone is mimicked in creating contemporary circus.
In fact the arch shaped set mirrors the handset of the phone in the middle of the stage, dwarfing it in comparison.
The soundtrack cleverly uses iconic telephone sounds and manipulates them into effects that perfectly mirror the beautiful, strong and sincerely cheeky acrobatics. From a little pluck of an outstretched telephone line, the details of the moment and the sound in the show are articulate and carefully considered.
Feats of strength are executed beautifully and impressively, with a quiet meaningfulness that is more poignant than the usual build up to a trick and expected applause. The show moves into a trance like state at times. Interesting and curious costumes enhance each moment without taking away from it, and the shedding of layers throughout the show is done very cleverly. Bold geographic make up almost looks like subtle facial recognition scrambling.
While there are traditional acts in the show, the blend between acts and performance beyond the stop start of traditional circus is so seamless you barely notice. Sycronised ball manipulation is mixed with dance and audience interaction. Even the silks act is stand out. Silks can be hard to make different unless you have complete and utter Olympic level mastery. It is always impressive, but here it is the artistry, choreography, music and dynamics that make the act. Two such different executions, from soft and flowing fast movement to robotic and speedy movement, as well as impressive feats of balance, really impress beyond and elevate the act.
There is impressive and creative use of props, very clever throughout. “3, 2, 1” are the only words muttered in this show. The show needs no words. It needs no spoken language. The message, articulated through movement, humour and sound effects, communicates more and portrays more than most shows.
Light and props support the message of staying in touch, simple human connection in a tech driven world. A message at the end of the show invites us to reconnect with ourselves and with each other in an increasingly virtual world.
Keep in Touch is showing until 8 March 2026.
Tickets at:
https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/keep-in-touch-af2026
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