Toronto Fringe Review: Colonial Circus

SO weird, SO good. 

Colonial Circus is a brief history of colonization presented by Bouffon clowns Shreya Parashar and Sachin Sharma. Colonization, you know, that comedy goldmine. AND YET - it was. (For those unfamiliar, Bouffon is clowning with a social commentary). Hysterical and historical, it was impressive that they managed to take us from the origin of the species to the present day with little more than a giant red sheet. 

This show has unparalleled audience work, from their initial call and response, which is a device used throughout the show, to the few moments when someone was welcomed onto the stage, to the gentle whispered admonition of an audience member. Not only is the dynamic between the audience and performers electric (and it was definitely a clown crowd that showed up for opening), but the chemistry between Parashar and Sharma themselves is fantastic. This duo, under the name Two 2 Mango, have a rapport that only comes from a lot of collaboration, and it was magical to see them at work. 

Masters of the sudden turn, Parashar and Sharma take us from an uncomfortable silence to a burst of laughter, or from gibberish to understanding, in a flash. There were some key music choices that elevated the show and landed a huge laugh. The repetition both physically and verbally, their songs, dances, and even silences make for a captivating watch. 

If you want to feel like you’ve had a theatre experience or you just want to hear the sassiest slide whistle solo, then you must see Colonial Circus. 

Colonial Circus is on now until July 14 as part of Toronto Fringe. Show times and tickets.