After the burlesque pyrotechnics of Limbo at the Wonderground last week, Australian quartet Casus presents a different twist on the circus theme. Knee Deep keeps things simple. Four performers, hardly any equipment, just the determination to push the physical form to the very bone-crunching, sinew-stretching limit.
On the small square stage, acrobatics and ballet become almost interchangeable. As they hurl around their taut bodies Casus could be a contemporary dance troupe but then the circus skills start. Sometimes over-familiar — hand balancing, rope tricks, nails up nostrils — but always delivered with breathtaking deftness. Most impressive is formidable lone female Emma Serjeant, who at one point suspends all three men from her small frame.
This is all about grace under pressure. The recurring motif is a tray of eggs being walked on, symbolising how humans, so fragile alone, can find strength as a team. At times the group ethic here is so powerful props become superfluous.
The foursome interlinks by hands, feet and even jaw, one minute becoming a human trapeze, another becoming a human tightrope. It felt fitting that on the anniversary of Everest being conquered these adventurers also scaled such heights.
Until June 22 (0208 237 1111, riversidestudios.co.uk)
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