Review: Recirquel - IMA (Pray), Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023
- Lisa in the theatre
- Aug 7, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Recirquel: IMA (Pray) ★★★★★
review: Assembly at Murrayfield Ice Rink
Edinburgh Festival Fringe August 2023
A jaw-dropping, magical piece of dance theatre
IMA (the Hungarian word for “pray”) is a stunning, immersive, dance experience.
Based at Murrayfield Ice Arena, multi-award-winning, internationally renowned Hungarian cirque danse company Recirquel have transformed the space into a meditative haven.
Performed in a purpose-built installation space, a single dancer / acrobat / aerialist, guides the audience on a spiritual journey - but which journey, is completely down to your own mind.
I was lost in a universe of stars, floating, content, at peace. I don't want to say too much more, because I had no idea what I was walking into, and the surprise and wonder at the stunning space and remarkable production that Recirquel have created, is a huge part of the joy.
A VIP experience for everyone
Arriving at the Ice Arena I was greeted by Assembly staff at the door. I was soon shown into the pre-show room and given a personal explanation of what I was looking at and what would happen next. It felt like a VIP experience, but every group is greeted and treated like this. If you do go to IMA, please arrive at least 20 minutes before show time. You do not want to rush this!
The pre-show space is so beautiful, so tranquil; it's a literal breath of fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the Fringe.
Once in the performance space, I found the environment to be so peaceful I felt my heart rate drop to below a panic for the first time in about 6 weeks.
The seating, lighting, sound and set work in harmony to make every audience member feel connected to the performance. And what a performance! Globally acclaimed director-choreographer Bence Vági and his team have created a jaw-dropping, magical piece of dance theatre.
Each of the daily shows (four per day, six on Fri, Sat and Sun) are performed by a different artist, each performing the same intricately choreographed work, but each bringing their own style and sense of self to the piece. I'm sad that I don't know the name of the performer I saw, but he was quite simply stunning. The movement, the skill, the risk, the talent; I've never seen anything like it.
Everyone who attends the fringe - performers, venue employees, audience and reviewers - should be given this show on prescription. It's the perfect antidote for the bedlam happening elsewhere and it did me the world of good. It's exquisite. ★★★★★
When and Where?
Assembly at Murrayfield Ice Rink (Specially built venue - EH12 5XN)
12:00* // 13:30* // 15:00 // 16:30 // 18:00 // 19:30 * Fri, Sat, Sun only
4th – 27th August (not 15th or 22nd August)
40 mins
0131 623 3030 www.assemblyfestival.com
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