IMA (pray) – Assembly, Murrayfield Ice Rink

Hungarian group Recirquel Cirque Danse led by Bence Vagi bring this highly unusual aerial gymnastic show, to the equally unusual venue of Murrayfield Ice Rink.

No ice here but this is certainly a pretty cool show, as evidenced by my two teenaged children who were simply blown away.

Operating as six individual performers each with one solo performance per day at times ranging between 12:00 noon till 19:30. We signed up to the 16:30 performance, which featured artist Renato Ille’s, who gave a simply stunning performance, combining dance and aerial gymnastics, not to mention extreme strength, set within a light and sound experience that takes your breath away.

As to the ‘performance’ itself, no spoilers here, suffice to say that it was an emotional almost religious experience within a sacred space.

I am very tempted to revisit, on my own, to see another one of the performers and their interpretation. To lie back and let this wash over me, just one more time. Clever.

Aim for one of the ground cushions on the edge of the circle, at the apex furthest from the entry point.

Unlike any other show on the Fringe, this one certainly aims high and comes mighty close to nirvana.

Reviewer: Greg Holstead

Reviewed: 13^th August 2023

North West End UK Rating: