Website:  Close Act

Outdoor shows by international artists, free to the public, take family entertainment into a world class level, with such talented and creative groups as Close Act from the Netherlands.   This story set underwater, Pi Leau, about a forbidden fascination between a human fisherman and a mermaid and the underwater world, drew a big crowd in Nathan Phillips Square despite the cold weather in Winter.  The story had characters which interacted with the main  character adding to his dilemma of being used to land, not water where they came from, making him weak and vulnerable not heroic for a main character.  He was obviously at their mercy as he was in their territorial water environment.  The mermaid was alluring but the attraction was fatal since they were not from the same worlds.  When opposites attract, it is hard to find compatibility unless one or both can adapt to each other's lifestyles and environments.  Inability to do so usually results in a tragic ending.  Performers were high on steel contraptions with wheels which allowed them to be maneuvered throughout the square as the exciting fantasy unfolded.  The costumes and makeup, the lighting and sound, the props, and the constant movement around were amazing to see!  The mystery of the underwater world brought to life in such a magical way made this worth standing outside in the cold, looking up at the performers against the dark night in the center of the city.  That it was free allowed both poor and rich to enjoy it!  It probably made all the tax payers in the audience glad that public funds went into such a production, although a foreign one not local.   It reminds one of the Disneyland type of imagination where fantasy becomes part of reality and enhances people's minds and uplifts spirits.  Being above the crowd, thanks to the mechanical wheeled contraptions, made it easy for all to view the action from above them instead and within the crowd moving.  It was interesting to see how the crowd had to move around to make way for the contraptions.  To be immersed within the performance area, the public probably felt like part of the show at times.  It was a magical night for all who came and were changed by such fantastic entertainment.