Welcoming world of absurd illusion

NOW YOU SEE IT: World-class act LEO is coming to Wairarapa as part of the Kokomai Creative Festival. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The Carterton Events Centre will host the world-class act LEO as part of the Kokomai Creative Festival this month.

LEO is a solo physical theatre piece from Montreal directed by Daniel Briere and performed by William Bonnet who has worked with Cirque du Soleil, among other troupes.

It combines acrobatics and high-tech video production to give audiences a unique visual experience.

Following sold-out shows at the Sydney Opera House, the performance will "challenge the senses and tests perceptions" of audience members on October 17 and 18 at the Carterton Events Centre.

Kokomai Festival Director Heidi Holbrook said the show had universal appeal.

"Time Out New York magazine described LEO as 'an eye-teasing, grin-inducing, deeply impressive work of sustained absurdist magic' and I think that's a great description," she said.

"It is a show that defies gravity, is highly entertaining and uses digital projection to create a world of illusion ... I don't think a piece of physical theatre like this has ever come to the Wairarapa before."

Through a clever interplay of live performance and video projection, this playful, intriguing journey of a seemingly ordinary man has touched audiences and critics from New York to Berlin, Hong Kong, London and beyond.

Audiences can also get a special insight into the show when performers from LEO and Squaring the Wheel hold a free talk on Sunday, October 18, from noon until 1pm, at the Carterton Events Centre. There, they will unravel a few of their respective stage secrets.

LEO is one of 60 events, including music, theatre, dance, visual arts, film and literature which will be held at various venues around the Wairarapa from October 16-25.

-Visit www.kokomai.co.nz for a timetable of the festival's events and for tickets.