I want to start by apologising to the performers. I was so utterly enthralled and completely absorbed that I forgot to applaud and show these incredible artists the love they deserved. My plus one—well accustomed to my enthusiastic noise-making at circus shows—eventually leaned over and whispered, “Shouldn’t we clap?” Oh my goodness.

It turns out the rest of the audience was just as mesmerised. We all sat in silence until when my plus one and I finally clapped and cheered, suddenly it felt like everyone had been given permission to applaud, but moments later we were back to mesmerised and the audience was silent again. Performers if you are reading this, you were STUNNING! The silence was a reflection of our awe and not a suggestion you weren’t all amazing.

GASHA is the latest masterpiece from Cirquework, and last night marked its dazzling global debut—right here in little old Perth. Remember when “no one comes to Perth”? Those days are well and truly gone. I don’t use the word dazzling lightly. The performers were stunning, powerful, and exquisitely skilled, complimented by the lighting design—strobe effects and an LED backdrop—elevated the show to another level not often seen at a Fringe show.

This production is an exquisite tapestry of art. Kimono-inspired costumes seamlessly merge with modern aerial attire. Live-mixed music weaves alongside the haunting sounds of the shamisen (a traditional Japanese banjo). Talented musicians meet gifted aerialists, acrobats, a mesmerising Cyr wheel artist and I don’t know what kind of artist name you use for someone who spins fabric and balances umbrellas, but what ever that is called, that was beautiful too. Every element blends together in a vivid celebration and tribute to Japanese culture.

GASHA is showing for the full FRINGEWORLD Festival season (except Mondays), plays at the very civilised time of 6:15pm, and is performed in a blissfully air-conditioned venue. It truly ticks all the boxes.