Camilla Pessi in Pss Pss. Photo/David Monteith-Hodge
Camilla Pessi in Pss Pss. Photo/David Monteith-Hodge
In a reversal of the old story, Camilla Pessi and Simone Fassari ran away from the circus - eventually creating their own show that has been touring the world and picking up awards for seven years.
The pair met while studying at the prestigious Teatro Dimitri School of physical theatrein Switzerland but went their separate ways for several years performing in circuses and cabarets around the world.
However, in 2004, Fassari, originally from Sicily, found himself in South Africa without a show partner after he and his girlfriend broke up.
He contacted Pessi who agreed to join him. The pair quickly discovered how well they worked together, forming the two-person Compagnia Baccalà.
Their first full-length-show, Pss Pss, was devised in 2010 with the help of Belgian director Louis Spagna, previously of the renowned Cirque du Soleil.
Pss Pss was inspired by silent film stars Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin - not a word is spoken during the show - and features acrobatics, trapeze, juggling, clowning and live music (Fassari plays the trumpet and Pessi the accordion).
Pss Pss, named for the universal attention-seeking sound, is about two people trying to win one another's attention in a childlike way - a pas de deux told through gesture and look.
The show has been performed more than 600 times on six continents and won 15 international prizes, including last year's Swiss Theatre Award, as well as awards from France, Russia, China and Hungary.
Pessi, born in an Italian-speaking area of Switzerland, was a member of the Swiss national skiing team but dropped out at age 16 to concentrate on schoolwork. However, she wanted to continue some form of physical training and chose acrobatics.
Fassari, meanwhile, started as a busker and worked in theatre before attending Teatro Dimitri.
Now also a couple offstage, the pair describe living and working together as an "adventure" and point out that although their clowning doesn't involve red noses and big pants, the main aim is still to make people laugh and forget their daily lives for an hour.
Camilla Pessi and Simone Fassari. Photo/file
the fine print What: Pss Pss at the Tauranga Arts Festival When: 6pm on October 19, 1pm and 6pm on October 20. Tickets: Baycourt or Ticketek. TECT cardholder discounts apply until October 6 (Baycourt only).
