Reader Reviews
Fuerza Bruta (Roundhouse, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | Just go. Preferably late on one of the limited club nights as I did. An extraordinary circus of attempts at intimacy. I was in tears, exultant, exhilarated, exhausted. Extraordinary, obviously. - 80.195.236.40) | 20 Aug 06 |
| I don't give it a 1 because the actual physical effort put into this show by the company is commendable. Unlike WO's own gushing reviewer however (or indeed some of the other reviews around for this show) I found it emotionally unengaging and void of ideas. It is basically a sequence of 3-4 stunts, some repeated, skillfully performed no doubt, but adding up to...what exactly? I disagree with Michael Billington in The Guardian, who claims that the show does not intend to pass some kind of commentary on the human condition. His is just an easy way to let Delaguarda off for the slight emotional substance of the show; and if theatre doesn't engage the emotions then I for one don't think it's doing its job properly, and certainly does not merit £25 and a wasted hour of my time. For instance I find it difficult, considering the recent past of their country of origin, not to think that Delaguarda intend the shooting of the running man to serve as commentary or reminder of the brutality of many Latin-American regimes, including their old Junta. Far-fetched? Possibly. On the one hand, if there is no allegory or symbolism at play in the show, the players on stage become no more than stunt performers. But if there is any deeper message, this is rendered opaque by the show's repetitiousness, and lost altogether in the thud of the obnoxious techno soundtrack; and I say that as someone who does enjoy techno in other contexts. If the show intends to engage its audience phisically, it fails on this score also: the only time it actually does so is when a sheet of foil is passed over the heads of the crowd. If sustained, this kind of interaction might have been exciting but it is the only instance throughout the show, and as such it also becomes a pointless exercise. I'd been really looking forward to Fuerzabruta given its rave reviews and those garnered by Delaguarda's previous offering in 2001. Looking at the programme while getting the tickets, I found it curious that the last performance every Saturday night would be followed by a DJ set. Having seen the show at 7pm on a Saturday, this arrangement made perfect sense, as testified by the audience members who seemed to be enjoying the show the most: clubbers in their early 20s looking for an easy thrill-ride, something to set them up for their weekly dose of ideas-free hedonism. So, "que aproveche" to them, but I really expected something more and was left sorely disappointed. - 81.1.116.248) | 11 Aug 06 |
| A thrillingly theatrical hour - even if you haven't got a clue what it all means! Much more high-tech and much more variety than their last show. The crashes trough walls and swimming pool are sensational. - 193.35.133.151) | 31 Jul 06 |
| Astonishing, if brief, this show defies any comparisons. I know why people say "Cirque" or "Blue Man" but where they remain rather traditional (and seated) theatrical entertainments this show is an experience and demands a degree of audience involvement that one or two joyless "one-starers" seem to have been incapable of giving. At the end of Saturday's show as the cast joined the audience to dance in celebration I saw nothing but rapturous faces. Ignore those reviews - this is life-affirming, joyful show that you can be part of. It's the pit at the Globe, at it's best, x10! - 194.200.65.239) | 24 Jul 06 |
| Expectations raised by glowing reviews and hype, the disappointment was overwhelming. Some fabulous imagery and physicality all spoiled by lack of narrative, confusion & repetition. Did not enjoy being shoved around by a panicky stage crew, after all, we paid. Contary to a previous comments I read on this site, Blue Man Group, and Cirque du Soliel, leave this in the wings! - 62.252.0.10) | 16 Jul 06 |
| Absolutely stunning: sensational theatre in the truest sense of the word. Brings the Roundhouse's cavernous space to pulsating (frequently very damp!) life. Haven't got a clue what it all means but just enjoyed the crazy, sexy, noisy, exhilarating ride. If you've never taken hallucinogenic drugs but are curious to know what it feels like, get yourself a ticket for this! - 195.82.123.181) | 26 Jun 06 |
| breathtakingly brilliant. must be seen. - 81.132.228.110) | 22 Jun 06 |
| This is a show with very few ideas, very loud music and very expensive tickets. A triumph of hype over content. However, the audience loved it. - 80.177.231.164) | 22 Jun 06 |
| I really enjoyed the 'Fuerzabruta' performance and urge you to go and experience the Argentine dance/acrobatic company for yourselves! The sound track is electric techno/global beats, and because its interactive for the audience you end up moved around whilst the dancers are on top, around and crashing polystyrene planks on your head, you also end up getting wet if you really want and can't help but dance throughout, especially when the dancers are encouraging you to!! Darkness and light has a huge part in the performance and its full of back to back surprises. Its as though you are experiencing a Stuntman's nightmare. I'd describe it as Stomp meets Blueman Group meets Cirque de soleil!!! Its quite unique, vibrant and exciting!! You gotta go!! (Doesn't get top marks, as It only boasts 1 syncronized Dance routine.) - 213.86.181.252) | 12 Jun 06 |
| pretentious, agressive, and musically boring. take away the flashing lights and the club PA and you have a few people on wires shouting at you. Big deal. the crowd loved it though - then again, the Sun is the best selling newspaper in the UK so popularity doesn't necessarily mean quality. - 82.152.93.17) | 11 Jun 06 |
| I went to the opening, it had an unusual crowd for a show of this type being made up largely of business men over 40. Once the show had them dancing around, you knew it must be something special. Do not miss this. - 86.131.62.16) | 06 Jun 06 |
| A fabulous show, performed with a very high level of energy. Don't wear your Sunday best - you might be covered in chalk, or wet with water!. It defies description, but it's a real must go show - 213.202.131.247) | 05 Jun 06 |
