ROLL up, roll up, for This Time, circus theatre company Ockham’s Razor’s show about time, age and the stories we tell ourselves, at York Theatre Royal on June 8 and 9.
The 8pm performances combine circus, autobiographical storytelling and original equipment in a visual theatre piece staged by a cast ranging in age from 13 to 60.
Presented as part of the Theatre Royal’s Love Season, This Time looks at love, support and struggle in families, alongside perceptions of strength and ability: how we are strong in different ways at different times in our lives.
Ockham’s Razor use a series of aerial frames, raised from floor to ceiling, wherein the four performers lift, push and cradle each other through thresholds and over ledges. Bodies are suspended high in the air and swung close to the ground in innovative new takes on trapeze and swinging cradle.
“Rather than paint the circus performer as a superhuman character capable of impressive feats, Ockham’s Razor make work that draws on the human and the real, where the characters go through recognisable experiences, emotions and conflicts with which the audience can identify,” say the company’s artistic directors, Alex Harvey and Charlotte Mooney, and director emerita, Tina Koch
“Our shows are exciting and moving and we feel that we’ve achieved our aims when members of the audience have said to us, ‘I wanted to come on stage and do it with you’.”
After meeting while studying at Circomedia Academy of Circus Arts and Physical Performance in Bristol in Spring 2006, Ockham’s Razor premiered their first full evening programme at that year’s London International Mime Festival, with funding from Jeunes Talents Cirque (the first British company to receive such support).
Since then, the company has performed in theatres and at festivals in Britain, Europe, the United States and Australia, with their shows being produced by Turtle Key Arts.
The name Ockham’s Razor is derived from a logical principle, attributed to medieval philosopher William of Ockham, that states that between two plausible theories, the simpler is preferable. It is called a razor because it cuts out unnecessary elements. “As a company we work with this simple approach,” say Alex, Charlotte and Tina.
Tickets for next Tuesday and Wednesday’s performances can be booked on 01904 623568 or at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.
