'Luminosa': A Circus Cabaret with Lost in Translation

Luminosa at Jacksons Lane was certainly a night to remember thanks to the passionate performance of the international circus ensemble Lost in Translation. Upon entrance, the eerie dark stage set the scene for immense excitement. However, the entire performance felt informal with a friendly and supportive atmosphere - which is rather unusual compared to circus acts I am familiar with. Nonetheless, Luminosa did not fail to have everyone on the edge of their seats.

By combining both dance and gymnastics, the brand-new circus cabaret undoubtedly left its mark on the audience. The performance boomed with aerial poles, silks, straps, aerial hoop, hand balancing, acrobatics, hooping and flying poles. Accompanying these phenomenal acts was live music from Peter Reynolds. Peter not only sang but played a wide variety of instruments such as the saxophone, accordion, and piano. Each act definitely had fun and individualistic elements to them - but a personal favourite was the aerial hoops act which subtly promoted feminity and empowerment.

Contemporary circus dates back to 250 years ago and it uses both traditional and new techniques on the ground and air to guide the audience through a narrative. It can be comical, abstract, and poignant as well as teach important lessons. Luminosa certainly fits these criteria.

Lost in Translation is one of the UK’s leading contemporary circus companies, started in 2007 by Massimiliano Rossetti (company director and performer) and Tiago Fronseca (company director and performer). Since then, the company has grown to create an ensemble from Italy, France, Ireland, and Australia - with the aim to connect people, communities, and cultures. Lost in Translation is definitely on the rise, and their shows, as proven by Luminosa, are perfect to bring your family and friends along to for a night of fun and thrill.

The production took place in the newly developed Jacksons Lane (with a whopping £4.5 million spent in the revamp), which supports emerging companies and has hosted other established names such as Frantic Assembly and Complicite. Time Out called Jackson Lane ‘A breeding group for fast-rising talent’, and Lost in Translation is no different.