Recirquel: IMA (Pray)
Assembly at Murrayfield Ice Rink
August 2023
A jaw-dropping, magical piece of dance theatre
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
IMA (the Hungarian word for “pray”) is a stunning, immersive, dance experience. Based at Murrayfield Ice Arena, multi-award-winning, internationally renowned Hungarian cirque danse company Recirquel have transformed the space into a meditative haven.
Performed in a purpose-built installation space, a single dancer / acrobat / aerialist, guides the audience on a spiritual journey - but which journey, is completely down to your own mind.
I was lost in a universe of stars, floating, content, at peace. I don't want to say too much more, because I had no idea what I was walking into, and the surprise and wonder at the stunning space and remarkable production that Recirquel have created, is a huge part of the joy.
Arriving at the Ice Arena I was greeted by Assembly staff at the door. I was soon shown into the pre-show room and given a personal explanation of what I was looking at and what would happen next. It felt like a VIP experience, but every group is greeted and treated like this. If you do go to IMA, please arrive at least 20 minutes before show time. You do not want to rush this!
The pre-show space is so beautiful, so tranquil; it's a literal breath of fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the Fringe. Once in the performance space, I found the environment to be so peaceful I felt my heart rate drop to below a panic for the first time in about 6 weeks.
The seating, lighting, sound and set work in harmony to make every audience member feel connected to the performance. And what a performance! Globally acclaimed director-choreographer Bence Vági and his team have created a jaw-dropping, magical piece of dance theatre.
Each of the daily shows (four per day, six on Fri, Sat and Sun) are performed by a different artist, each performing the same intricately choreographed work, but each bringing their own style and sense of self to the piece. I'm sad that I don't know the name of the performer I saw, but he was quite simply stunning. The movement, the skill, the risk, the talent; I've never seen anything like it.
Everyone who attends the fringe - performers, venue employees, audience and reviewers - should be given this show on prescription. It's the perfect antidote for the bedlam happening elsewhere and it did me the world of good. It's exquisite.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📸 Photo credit: Balint Hirling
When and Where?
Assembly at Murrayfield Ice Rink (Specially built venue - EH12 5XN)
12:00* // 13:30* // 15:00 // 16:30 // 18:00 // 19:30 * Fri, Sat, Sun only
4th – 27th August (not 15th or 22nd August)
40 mins
0131 623 3030 www.assemblyfestival.com
About Recirquel Cirque Danse by Bence Vági
Founded in Budapest, Hungary in 2012 by director and choreographer Bence Vági, Recirquel has become one of the leading contemporary circus companies in the world, representing a unique style of circus combined with dance and theatre, building upon the flair of Mideastern European – Hungarian classical theatre culture. The productions of this inventive company bewitch audiences worldwide with the immersive quality of the magical universes they create. Recirquel has opened the gates for contemporary circus in Hungary and carries a strong mission to acquaint audiences with this new form of performing arts.
IMA (Pray) by Recirquel review, Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023
🎟️ Disclosure: I am an Edinburgh Festival Fringe accredited media reviewer and as such I receive complimentary press tickets in exchange for my honest reviews. My reviews and star ratings are always my honest opinions.
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