THEATRE
For the latest news, listings and reviews, go to list.co.uk /theatre
SURGE Eclectic festival returns to disrupt Glasgow’s streets
The company formerly known as Conl ux are back in Glasgow, this time under the new moniker Surge, to confound and delight in equal measure. With an anarchic blend of circus, street and physical theatre, spaces are subverted across the Merchant City in the most jaw-dropping ways, with a combination of local and international artists bringing us their unique skills.
Surge has become an annual celebration of drama, escaping from the theatre building so that the city itself becomes part of the action. Its eclectic curation – and family-friendly attitude – allows the magic to creep up on unsuspecting pedestrians and shoppers. Austrian artist Willi Dorner’s astonishing Bodies in Urban
Spaces may seem self-explanatory, but the results will be fascinating: extremely bendy performers squeeze their bodies into all manner of nooks and crannies, and wrapping themselves around pavements, walls and alcoves. Diane Thornton’s Dance Wi’ the Deil looks at bodies moving in a different way, as she selects a brave volunteer to dance with her in what may be tantamount to signing a Faustian pact. Avanti’s The Spurting Man looks to be an unmissable highlight: one human fountain, 200 litres of water and a spectacle like no other. (Lorna Irvine) ■ Merchant City, Glasgow, Wed 26–Sun 30 Jul.
1 Jun–31 Aug 2017 THE LIST 99