Fuerza Bruta ‘AVEN’, Roundhouse London Review

Fuerza Bruta - Aven at the Roundhouse. Photo by Johan Persson.

Written by Cathie for Theatre and Tonic.

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own.

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Fuerza Bruta makes a triumphant return to the Roundhouse with their dance-themed spectacle, AVEN, once again captivating audiences with their signature flair. Known for their iconic running man routine and an abundance of wind machines, the Argentinian company is back with hedonistic style. There is a DJ who begins 30 minutes before the show and 30 minutes afterwards, which definitely works up the standing crowd as we prepare to be amazed.

The production is visually arresting, with performers adorned in exquisite pastel-coloured suits designed by Andrea Mattio, lending a brilliant 80’s vibe to the performance. Most acts transpire above the audience, making AVEN an intimate and immersive experience, more so than any other Circus show of that scale. These include wind tunnels, running walkways, confetti guns, dancing in water boxes and running on a gargantuan inflatable globe.  However, it is not particularly interactive, with the chance to touch the giant whale’s flipper as it gyrates and swoops above the audience being the only interactive element. This production is certainly bright, bold and joyfully captivating, yet at some sections it feels like the grand finale it works up to is out of reach and therefore a theatrical Fata Morgana.

There’s an overly sunny outlook to AVEN, epitomized by a performer’s declaration of it being "the happiest show on earth." There are indeed moments where this exuberance is palpable, such as when the audience is playfully sprayed with foam from the giant inflatable globe or consistently covered in confetti and unknown liquids whilst Icona Pop’s "I Love It” blasts from the DJ section. I would suggest cover your drinks or finish them before you go inside as you will be covered from head to toe by the end of it. However, with the performers constantly trying to frenzy up the crowd to whoop and cheer there’s an element of hollow feeling as well. The sequences also feel disconnected in how they flow into each other, with it being challenging at times to see what themes or stories are being relayed to the audience. It mostly felt experimental in form although I did enjoy the use of experimentation with light, technology, and visual artistry.

The event is short and sweet with only 60 minutes where you stand and are shuffled around the RoundHouse  space (seats are available for those who need them). It is an innovative, inventive and highly entertaining experience, where the performers and technicians are definitely giving 110%. In many ways it is reminiscent of 90’s clubs with fabulous vibes and joyful dancing. It’s a mix of older crowds who enjoy the early return home, the alternative youth who enjoy Camden’s edgy music scene and families who want to introduce their children to rave style experiences in a safe way. If you enjoy circus style pageantry, Argentine flair and captivating dance sequences then I would recommend this show to you.

At Roundhouse London until 01 Sept 2024.

★ ★ ★ ★