Ockham’s Razor is a contemporary circus company who combine circus and visual theatre to make work that is arresting and entertaining. They specialise in creating physical theatre on original equipment and create stories from the vulnerability, trust and reliance that exists between physical performers.
Tess, Ockham’s Razor’s adaption of Hardy’s classic novel Tess of the D’Urbervilles, will tour the UK throughout 2023 and 2024. It weaves together acrobatics, aerial, physical theatre and an inventive, evocative set to conjure Hardy’s world. Tess is showing at Sadler’s Wells in London from 31 January – 3 February 2024. Buy tickets here: https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/ockhams-razor-tess/
Tell us briefly about Tess and where audiences can see the show?
Tess is a modern and feminist view of the classic Thomas Hardy novel “Tess of the D’Urbervilles” told predominantly through the medium of dance and circus. The story is beautifully narrated (Macadie Amarosso) which ensures it is easy to follow. The show is currently touring the UK and you can see exact locations and find links to buy tickets at https://ockhamsrazor.co.uk/news-stories
Had you read Tess of the D’Urbervilles before starting the show? If not, are you inspired to now?
I had not and I definitely am! I plan to read it over Christmas alongside my mum who is reading it in anticipation of seeing the show in Edinburgh. I chose to do this job because upon reading a little about the book I felt incredibly connected to the themes and it has taught me so much already. I’m excited to further the learning and deepen my understanding of the show.
Is there another classic text you would like to see reimagined in a similar style to Tess?
I guess it depends on what the reader considers a classic, I personally would include “The Little Mermaid” as a classic! But joking aside I LOVE “Little Women” and I think Charlotte and Alex (Ockham’s Razor’s Artistic Directors) could do something special with that story.
Tess is a female character who has stood the test of time – who is your favourite literary/theatrical heroine?
I am an avid reader of fantasy and I know this is controversial but I’m going to say Cersei from “Game Of Thrones”. No, not Denerys as she is so blinded by her goal for the throne she cannot accept a better match when it arises and this made me lose respect for her. Cersei yes is technically portrayed as a villain HOWEVER as a young woman I can understand her struggle. Incest and narcissism aside, she is totally at the beck and call of all the men in her life, even her child son. She desperately wants some independence and freedom and the only way she can find that is through scheming and manipulating her way into the crown. I really feel for her. I cannot imagine being forced to marry some horrible old man with zero say in the matter. I respect her resilience and determination. It’s clear the trauma she has experienced has formed her hardy character. I think she’s so interesting and we can learn a lot from her, even if it’s just to appreciate how far we’ve (women) come in being literally traded as assets.
How have you found combining circus and literature?
As my degree is in circus and I have always been inspired by stories I find it quite easy to express myself in this way. Words have often been a vehicle for creating movement in the arts but what circus can offer is what the equipment implies without you even doing anything on it. For example the cyr wheel scene where this heavy and intimidatingly large steel wheel is being effortlessly controlled by Alec (Joshua Frazer) whilst simultaneously confusing and offsetting Tess reads so clearly as a manipulation and assertion of power. It still gives me goosebumps watching that scene!
Is this your first time working with Ockham’s Razor?
It is the first time in an official contract but they directed two of our circus school shows and also the biannual gala at The National Center for Circus Arts where I studied. I’ve always loved working with them as we have similar values and I appreciate their creative process but more importantly how supported they make you feel as an artist. They are incredibly considerate and that can be a rare quality in a director!
Do you have a favourite part of the show?
I like playing Rettie especially when we do the puddle scene and the trio on the wall. Even though we are technically lusting after a man, that’s not what I enjoy about it. I love the trio of women. We really connected and worked hard together to build the trust required for the technical aspects of that scene (I mean circus tricks by that). We have a lot of fun together and it’s definitely a highlight of mine. The show covers some heavy themes and it’s lovely to be part of the lighter parts of the show that give the audience a break and permission to laugh!
What do you think audiences will take away from Tess?
I suppose it will be personal to every viewer and some will take nothing! I hope they get what they need from the show whether that be simply enjoying how beautiful the combination of set/projection/lights/music/artists all together is. I think it really is incredible. I feel it is quite an emotive show and it still gets me sometimes! I’m trying to imagine myself as a viewer I think I would definitely cry and if art makes me feel something that’s definitely something I rate. Also, I love the strong female relationships and unity they present. Despite all of the hardship of her life, Tess still manages to find joy and that is something I find impressive and a mindset I respect.
Have you learnt anything new in this process so far?
Ok this is deep! I had an epiphany about love which is basically priceless! So we’ve all had one of those connections where you have fun together and enjoy each others company and have attraction and chemistry and we think that is enough to fall in love. In the scene where Tess (Lila Naruse) is falling in love with Angel (Nat Whittingham) and him her, they are discussing things that secure a deeper understanding of each other. He can’t believe he’s been reading about all these modernist ideas and here is a woman through her lived experience has arrived at the same point of view. I guess what I learned is it’s not enough to have all the aforementioned things on the checklist, what makes you actually fall in love is that deep understanding of that person and feeling it is reciprocated. Anyways this realisation definitely helped me remember not to get caught up in the surface level stuff and definitely not to mistake that for love!