Fuerza Bruta’s Aven at Roundhouse

11 years after its self-titled show at the Roundhouse, Argentine physical theatre phenomenon Fuerza Bruta returns to its London home with Aven, an unapologetically spectacular production that embraces optimism, euphoria, adventure and the playful side of theatre.

Created by Fuerza Bruta Artistic Director Diqui James, with the explicit goal of being “the happiest show on earth”, the troupe’s second touring show comes to life through a captivating combination of aerial acrobatics, dynamic movement and electrifying effects. Its marked absence of dialogue allows for the music and musical direction by composer Gaby Kerpel to take centre stage, serving as a testament to the power of non-verbal communication and physical storytelling in the realm of experiential theatre.

Deriving its title from the word “Heaven”, Aven celebrates the joyous side of theatre, untouched by darkness or strife – a quality that has yet to fully return since the pandemic. The production’s unashamed preference for spectacle over story and noise over nuance is justified by its immersive club-theatre atmosphere that has the audience not just standing, but moving throughout its entire 70-minute runtime.

The show opens with Fuerza Bruta’s signature 360-degree performance that paints every open space and surface of the Roundhouse’s architectural blank canvas with its physical and artistic feats. As the drummers set the beat, the crowd starts moving in sync with the rhythm, blurring the line between performer and audience. Under the strobe lights, lasers, and water effects, it is clear that what the production lacks in story is made up for in emotion. 

Special guest DJ Luz Rodriguez sets the stage before the entertainment starts and keeps the party alive afterwards, and the performance includes techno sounds alongside throwback hits such as Charli XCX and Icona Pop’s I Love It and LMFAO’s Party Rock Anthem. Yet, stealing the spotlight is the larger-than-life, semi-inflatable, semi-mechanical whale that crowd-surfs through the packed venue in the show’s finale. Guided by two performers, it manoeuvres the Roundhouse’s spacious main area reminiscent of a captive whale in a SeaWorld enclosure. Its blinking digital eyes sweep over the dancing audiences, while its inflated body bounces off walls and occasionally brushes the crowd, culminating in a spectacular finale to an other-worldly experience.

Christina Yang
Photos: Johan Persson

For further information and future events visit Fuerza Bruta’s Aven’s website here.

Watch the trailer here: