Raven is an exciting blend of circus and theatre by Berlin’s all-female collective that tackle the challenges of modern motherhood through jaw-dropping circus and comedy.
In Germany, being called a ‘Raven Mother‘ (Rabenmutter) means you are a bad mother who is constantly at work. That idea is explored by Berlin’s circus company Still Hungry in their powerful production.
Still Hungry consist of Anke van Engelshoven, Lena Ries and Romy Seibt who tell the unspoken challenges of becoming a mother both through dialogue and physicality. Made with creative support from award-winning performance artist Bryony Kimmings, it is charged with feminine energy. Opening with thrilling acrobatics, we are soon introduced to the three artists and discover their individual stories.
We hear about their struggles with being working women, particularly as circus artists. When their agents phone stops calling, they are struggling to come to terms with their new identity. They are constantly comparing themselves to other mothers and they don’t recognise their bodies anymore.
They use voiceovers to tell their own stories and it’s witty yet eye-opening. It’s all human and the story is something women will deeply resonate with. It’s a clever production as it seamlessly flicks between exhilarating circus that completely encapsulates the audience to light humour. It’s a performance that really stirs the emotions.
It’s an ambitious performance that is innovative in many ways. Whilst some may find the approach a bit awkward, as a fan of circus I loved the interjection of comedy. It felt personal and raw, I could only ask for a bit more circus because of how mesmerising these women are. They are so skilled and knowing their stories and struggles to get back into their craft, makes it all the more impressive.
I found myself cheering these women on, because through everything they’ve coped with, they prove to be three strong women up on stage. It’s an inspiring, empowering and moving performance.
★★★★
Raven is on at Edinburgh Fringe at Assembly Roxy at 17:50.
