Melbourne-based performance company Head First Acrobats have brought their flagship show GODZ to the Spiegeltent at Wynnum Fringe, presenting a cheeky and high-energy adults-only acrobatics show grounded in Greek mythology.
GODZ showcases the superhuman talents of four incredible acrobats as the god Apollo (Head First Acrobats company director and lead performer Thomas Gorham), Cupid, God of Love (Liam Dummer), Hercules, God of Strength (Alex Caulfield) and Dionysus, God of Wine (AJ Saltalamacchia, who Gorham mentioned had learned the show in only two days). GODZ was loosely structured around Hercules’ journey from demigod to full-time resident of Mount Olympus – historians, look away now.
Joining his celestial cousins for a party that quickly descends into all-out hedonism, Hercules is sent to the Underworld by his father Zeus as a punishment, where he is greeted by his uncle Hades. Sent onward to Christian Hell for being a troublemaker, Hercules encounters nuns in habits and sequinned hotpants, and eventually becomes a fully-fledged god.
The four performers demonstrated extraordinary strength and skill, from exciting aerial work and nail-biting balancing acts to tumbling, juggling, whip-cracking, and more. GODZ also incorporated elements of breakdancing, drag, dance, and plenty of slapstick comedy. Billed as a “bodyssey”, the showalso uses nudity as part of its comedy and allure; this wasn’t overplayed, and the focus remained on the storytelling and skill of the acrobats.
The pace and energy remained high throughout GODZ, even as props were shifted and spaces were cleared or adjusted for safety. In addition to their impressive performances, the acrobats also managed quick costume changes, counterweighting for the aerialists, and all of the different props and apparatuses required. There was evident trust and cohesion between the artists, and they bounced off each other in both the comedic and technical aspects of the show.
A particular joy of small(er) venues is the proximity to the performers – from the front rows, it was possible to see the intense concentration and the shaking and straining of muscles even as they made it seems effortless. The four GODZ also interacted with the audience, all bringing character and charisma to the stage in addition to their physical feats.
Raunchy and raucous, GODZ was the perfect festival offering – energetic, funny, highly polished, and boundary-blurring, it filled the Wonderland Spiegeltent with laughter, cheers, and superhuman stunts.
GODZ will be performed at the Bank of Queensland Wonderland Spiegeltent at Wynnum Fringe from November 15 – December 2.
For ticketing and further information, visit the Wynnum Fringe website
For a fully-clothed, family-friendly performance showcasing the same incredible skills, Head First Acrobats are also performing Pre-Hysterical (suitable for ages 3+) at Wynnum Fringe
GODZ will also be heading to Woodford Folk Festival from 27 – 31 December 2023
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