Soft Spot Review: Wine-Glass Circus Showcases Acrobatics

The circus production "Soft Spot," presented at Zoo Southside in Edinburgh, showcases the acrobatic talents of Stina Otterström and Arttu Lahtinen, who utilize wine glasses as central props for their performance. The show, which runs until August 30, begins with auditory elements, including the sound of a glass harp, before the performers introduce numerous wine glasses into their routine. These glasses are not used for their intended purpose of holding wine but rather as integral components of complex acrobatic and juggling maneuvers. Stina Otterström, a handstand artist, demonstrates exceptional strength and control by performing inversions and balancing acts that incorporate the fragile glassware. Her techniques include holding the stems of glasses between her toes and transferring them between her feet, as well as balancing the bases of glasses on her soles. This highlights the contrast between her physical power and the delicate nature of the wine glasses. Arttu Lahtinen, a juggler, complements Otterström's performance with a series of intricate juggling routines that involve the glasses. His act draws parallels to classic tricks such as the tablecloth pull and the buzz wire game, where he skillfully maneuvers planks of wood with glasses precariously close to Otterström's body. The performers engage in a dynamic duet, executing increasingly challenging and full-bodied routines. Empty wine glasses are manipulated with expertise, being slid, tossed, stacked, and even stood upon as part of the choreography. The performance emphasizes the dexterity and precision required to handle such a hazardous yet familiar object in an unconventional context. The venue for "Soft Spot" is Zoo Southside, located in Edinburgh, and the performance is part of the Edinburgh Festival. The show's creators, Stina Otterström and Arttu Lahtinen, are both accomplished performers in their respective disciplines, with Otterström known for her handstand artistry and Lahtinen for his juggling prowess. Their collaboration in "Soft Spot" creates a unique spectacle that merges physical artistry with the inherent tension of working with breakable materials. The review notes that the performance involves a significant number of glasses, escalating from an initial six to dozens throughout the show, underscoring the scale and ambition of the acrobatic feats. The absence of actual wine in the glasses further directs the audience's focus to the performers' technical skill and the visual spectacle of the glass manipulation. The performance is a testament to the creative reinterpretation of everyday objects for artistic expression, pushing the boundaries of circus performance through innovative use of props and a strong emphasis on partner acrobatics. The show's engagement with the audience is built on the suspense and visual appeal of the precise and daring maneuvers performed with the wine glasses.