It’s Friday night at 9pm. I’m not entirely sure what’s going on but I am somehow mesmerised. Maggie Rusak slides from the audience onto the stage and tells us about her hypochondria. Before I know it, she has birthed herself into embodying a heartbeat. In Behemoth, a self-proclaimed “absurd” show Maggie, and Ivy Blake, aka Moon Cafe, explore existential questions, including “What the hell is my problem?”
This is the English premiere of Behemoth. The pair live in France and have previously performed Behemoth in French. I’d describe this show as a fusion of stand-up, clowning, dance, circus and cabaret, but that doesn’t quite sum it up. It feels political. It’s what Fringe is about, it’s something I’ve never seen before. It’s experimental.
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Maggie takes her time sidling off stage. Ivy arrives. Both women command the stage in turn. Ivy battles her inner demons. Confused again, (this is an existential show after all,) I look at the blurb… the heroines “grapple with existential woes in a world that wasn’t built for them, saddled with brains that may or not be working against them.”
Ivy sings, writhes, and teeters on a tightrope in a captivating way, much to the delight of the audience. She changes into a blue tutu that scatters confetti as she bounces.
Maggie returns. Her expressiveness is charming. She is playful with her quirky juggling skills, which includes using her feet. I feel deeply moved by this captivating pair of performers.
To round things off, Maggie and Ivy make a speech to mark this English premiere, popping confetti cannons. There are three more chances to catch this bizarre yet brilliant show. May 3 and 4 at 9pm and a matinee on May 4 at 2.30pm at Big Puck, The Circus Yard. This show is billed as suitable for ages 12 plus and features nudity.
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