Invisible Circus - No Dress Rehearsal Review

The Invisible Circus is a Bristol-based collective of performance artists, specialising in ‘site specific’ productions. Their shows involve cabaret, acrobatics, music, dance, theatre and humour. This documentary, directed by Invisible Circus collaborator Naomi Smyth, showcases the ups and downs of troupe over a formative few years in the latter part of the previous decade.

As well as having plenty to say about the group specifically, the film also looks at the wider issues of the contention between public and private spaces (an issue more relevant than ever in the wake of the recent Occupy movement) and squatter’s rights. The performance spaces in which Invisible Circus live and work consist of derelict buildings (pubs, cathedrals, police stations), often to the ire of private investors. It’s easy to sympathise with the IC – why should buildings that once belonged to the public be left to do nothing but accrue value when groups such as IC can provide something of value to the community at no cost to the owners of the space?

We see the group grapple with those that don’t share their beliefs – a particularly frustrating sequence sees bailiffs and security brought in at great expense in order to keep out the IC who were essentially caretaking the building in the first place. Of course, we also see how both the collective and the council benefit mutually when the latter decides to work with them, rather than against them. Later on, as their success grows, the group also faces a moral dilemma when offered the opportunity to work with a commercial partner.

We’re also treated to rather candid footage of a great deal of the collective’s individuals; their arguments, discussions and hard work all on display. No Dress Rehearsal also works as a rather fascinating ‘how to’ guide for anyone with an idea they want to see brought to fruition.

Some viewers may find the division between the ‘behind the scenes’ footage and actual performance (about two parts of the former to one part of the latter) to be unfavourably balanced. You may also feel that some of the individuals a bit too wilfully eccentric and the film may be difficult to enjoy if you by no means share any of the beliefs or principles of the group. Still, we can all surely agree that as a portrayal of a bunch of people doing something they believe to be A Good Thing For Everyone, No Dress Rehearsal is an inspiring and exciting film.

The Invisible Circus: No Dress Rehearsal is available on DVD now, seehttp://www.invisiblecircusfilm.com/ for further details.