Humans 2.0′ by Circa: A Breathtaking Vision of the Evolved Human
Stepping outside of a usual theatre comfort zone can be a revelation, and opening night of Circa’s Humans 2.0 at the Arts Centre Playhouse Theatre on Wednesday, May 14th, was precisely that. This was not a typical theatre experience for this reviewer, yet the result was nothing short of astonishing – a roaring success that left the audience visibly amazed and on their feet for a well-deserved standing ovation. Minds were, without exaggeration, blown.
The show, aptly titled Humans 2.0, posits an enhanced iteration of our known selves, and the ten performers on stage embodied this concept with breathtaking precision. Their collective movement possessed the fluidity of water, yet was simultaneously unlike anything recognisably human. It was robotic in its exacting synchronicity, but far too smooth and organic to be solely mechanical – a truly impressive and, at times, staggering display of physical mastery. The cast operated with an almost unbelievable degree of unity; not a single toe was out of line throughout the 70 minute, interval-free performance.
Director Yaron Lifschitz’s vision was undeniably pointed, purposeful, and precise. Every step, every breath felt deliberate, contributing to an incredibly impressive experience for spectators. While the production largely eschewed a traditional narrative, the driving themes of balance, trust, personal development, and human connection were palpable and poetic in their own right. Witnessing such extraordinary circus work, one is left to ponder if a conventional storytelling arc is even necessary when the physical language is this articulate and profound.
The performance held the audience captive, watching with baited breath, afraid to blink for fear of missing a single moment of the continuous spectacle. There was a constant stream of amazing feats unfolding on stage, a testament to the performers’ skill and the relentless pacing of the show.
The aural landscape, crafted by Ori Lichtik through music and sound design, served as the show’s vital pulse. It provided an impressive rhythmic foundation for the performers’ intricate movements while simultaneously building palpable feelings of tension, anticipation, and even anxiety for the audience, who watched in wonder at the daring physical challenges being undertaken.
Humans 2.0 is playing for a very limited season at the Arts Centre Playhouse Theatre until May 24th, 2025. With a duration of 70 minutes and no interval, it’s a tightly structured and impactful experience. While the lack of vibrant colour might not immediately capture the attention of very young children, the sheer spectacle of the performance would undoubtedly captivate and blow the minds of kids aged 8 and up, making it a suitable and exciting outing for families with older children.
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring evolution of human physical potential.
