Christine Tjia

Strange Fruit is a world renowned repertoire from Melbourne, Australia performing a wide variety of themes and stories in theatre, dance and circus using elevated or rather very unique medium. They have been awarded The Premio Del Publico Award – Valladolid (Spain) in 2003, The Governor of Victoria Export Award (Arts & Entertainment) in 2006. They had performed in over 50 different countries, at over 450 international festivals and events to more than 5 million people.

I am honored to have the chance to watch their sublime performance - The Spheres in Chinatown during the Chinese New Year festive. Perched atop on 5 meters high flexible poles, bending and swinging in the air, the audience were fascinated in absolute wonder - jaw dropped expression was common across the crowds. Poles are extremely strong to bear the human weight that allows the performer to flexibly bow at impossible angles and swayed back and forth in an elegant and spellbinding manner - like many dandelions in a light breeze. In fact, the idea was originally from images of wheats swinging along with the gentle wind in the fields.

The Spheres takes a dreamy as well as a magical journey through the miracle of birth and humanity's relationship to our planet. Performers stand on white, illuminated, gigantic fabric orbs and rise above their existence. It was an astonishing and mesmerizing show.

As much as photos and videos can show, it doesn't do them justice. You have to be there personally to experience the sublime, hypnotic beauty and wonder in utter fascination.

Pic # 1 - http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/5451701551_8b9c5cf464.jpg
Pic # 2 - http://www.baldheretic.com/pics/strangefruit/bhsfspheres2-s.jpg
Pic # 3 - http://parentingchildreninsingapore.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Strange-Fruit-The-Sphere.jpg
Pic # 4 - http://www.baldheretic.com/pics/strangefruit/bhsfspheres4-s.jpg
Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoQC7xS_BJ0