one4review | On 12, Aug 2024

Ten Thousand Hours’ distinctive blend of raw physicality and artistry captivated the crowd from the time the lights dimmed and the performers set up. Gravity & Other Myths has once again produced a breathtaking production that honours commitment, technique, and the pure wonder of the human body. The act opens with the acrobats executing a typical warm-up routine, one I imagine is akin to the local CrossFit club. I kept coming back to the point of the clock; is it to signify it takes 10,000 hours to master a craft? Are we seeing different moments in a learning journey, or is it just pretty cool to have a giant clock in the background?

Throughout the performance, the group actively engages with the audience to explore a variety of themes and concepts. A spontaneous proposal transforms a warm-up into a vibrant ballet/metal performance, followed by a humorous American football routine. These moments highlight the artists’ range and timing. A notable sequence involves an audience member joining the performers on stage to draw the acrobats’ positions, resulting in the troupe’s hilarious attempts to replicate the picture. We get a glimpse at the friendship and creativity that exist amongst them when audiences aren’t around.

The show’s dynamic pace is matched by a pulsating drum solo, adding an extra layer of excitement. As the clock races towards zero, the audience is taken on a rollercoaster of flips, spins, and impossible handstands, culminating in an awe-inspiring final act where performers toss and twirl each other with grace and precision. While Ten Thousand Hours is a remarkable display of perseverance and devotion, the complexity of the acts occasionally produces minor slips and trips. However, these examples merely emphasise the difficulty of the accomplishments on display, as well as the perseverance required to perfect them.

Overall, Ten Thousand Hours is a stunning exhibition of beauty and expertise that will leave the audience in amazement. Gravity & Other Myths has created a show that is both uplifting and entertaining. This is a must-see for everyone who values the incredible possibilities of the human body and the perseverance required to reach greatness.

*****
Reviewed by Matthew
Assembly Hall – Main Hall
11.40 (1hr)
Until 24th Aug (not 19)