Performer David Trappes spoke to Love London Love Culture’s Emma Clarendon about appearing in Circa’s Peepshow playing as part of the Underbelly Festival.
Hi David, thanks so much for talking to Love London Love Culture. What can London audiences expect from Peepshow? Thanks to you too! When it comes to Peepshow, I would say it’s best to come with no expectations at all. But I guess a bit of practical wisdom is, while the show is cheeky, fun and bold, don’t expect to see a traditional ‘peepshow’ like you would expect to find at the back of the adult store.
How are you feeling about bringing the show to London? It feels like I’m coming home. I was here last summer with a different but equally wonderful company called Casus, performing a show called Driftwood. I love performing in the spiegeltent, as the architecture of it always creates such a beautifully intimate performance space. Plus there’s a bar out the front – which is both handy and very cool!
Is there anything that you have found particularly challenging in Peepshow to rehearse? Peepshow has had a long development period which has allowed us to develop a physical language. In addition to working on solo and group routines, a language we’ve developed is called ‘Glitch’, which is as striking as the name suggests. It is definitely a challenge to move as if you were in a buffering video, but when the movement coalesces with the lighting, the effect is absolutely stunning.
How would you describe the show to those thinking about coming along to see the show? It feels like a mirror, which warps its reflection, like it’s full of contradictions. It’s circus but it’s not; it’s sexy, but it’s not; it’s real, but it’s not. It’s Peepshow, but it’s not a peepshow. Expect to look at things, and be prepared to be looked at.
How much preparation/training are you having to do in advance? A lifetime! I’ve performed circus since I was young and have worked with a number of companies over the years devising and creating. For Peepshow, the show changed over the months as we brought in new concepts, acts and ideas, until it turned into what it is today. Our ensemble of seven work pretty tirelessly to perfect it and we’re very excited to share it with London and the world.
What would you say makes being part of Peepshow and Circa as a company so special? The chance to challenge. Challenge myself, my peers and the audience. I can’t wait.
By Emma Clarendon
Circa’s Peepshow will play at the Underbelly Festival from the 27th June until the 18th August. For more information visit: http://www.underbellyfestival.com/whats-on/peepshow.