The acrobats defy gravity and offer audiences a chance to envisage viruses attacking cells and the biological composition of DNA cells and clusters. The group's jugglers offer mathematical and precise movements, which aesthetically ape the way in which the inner body relates to the outer body.
The show's more physically demanding aspects are linked together by carefully crafted and choreographed movement that adds even more madness to the already singular production.
"It's a full-on performance from start to finish and covers so much," said acrobat Mattias Lindstrom. "The show has aerial juggling, wire work, movement and, of course, the teeter board. Audiences may look at it and think that the show is a random collection of movement, but like the parts of the human body we are portraying there is a reason behind each movement and each one is very disciplined."
99% Unknown took Cirkus Cirkor two years to bring to the stage, and the pre-production process was unlike any the troupe had ever undertaken before. In order to create an accurate picture of the workings of the inner body, the troupe entered into a partnership with the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden's leading institute of medical research and training.
"It was a [lengthy] process. We talked to and worked closely with scientists from the institute and learned a lot about the workings of the human body. It was really good for the creative process," said Cirkus Cirkor's Fefe Deijfen.
Along with receiving unlimited help from the prestigious institute, the troupe was also aided by Swedish photographer, Lennart Nilsson, whose photographs taken inside the human body were paramount in enabling set and costume designers to create life-like sets and wardrobes. And, in order to add even greater dimensions to the already striking set, Cirkus Cirkor chose to include video projections, which enable audiences to experience the continuous changes that take place within the human body.
While 99% Unknown was created with the help of doctors and scientists and is, in a theatrical sense at least, as true a portrayal of the workings of the inner body as is possible, Cirkus Cirkor's has made full use of its offbeat yet cutting edge artistic license.
"You shouldn't expect some kind of educational tour of the human body," said Deijfen. "You should approach [the show] with a very open mind."
Event Information:
What: Cirkus Cirkor 99% Unknown
Where: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, 505 Renai Rd, Sec 4, Taipei
When: Tonight and tomorrow at 7:45pm and Sunday at 2:45pm
Tickets: NT$400 to NT$2,500, available direct from the venue or in advance from the CKS Cultural Center's ticket office
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