Following the hit sell-out sensations Macro and The Pulse at the Edinburgh International Festival, and Fringe-favourite smash-hit A Simple Space, Gravity & Other Myths return with their critically acclaimed, brand-new show Ten Thousand Hours.
This is an ode to the countless hours needed to achieve great things. Eight acrobats investigate physical skill: how we obtain it, how we perfect it and how it can transform our lives. It’s family-friendly acrobatic extravaganza is filled with everything you love about Gravity & Other Myths and a tribute to the dedication required to become a world-class acrobat.
Lachlan Harper, one of the group’s acrobats, caught up with us to tell us more.
Q&A with Lachlan Harper
How does it feel to be returning to Edinburgh Fringe?
The fringe is a fantastic place to perform, and the city comes alive in a special way. It’s an amazing opportunity and feeling to be able to come back and share our new show, which means so much to us, with a city and festival that means so much in the performing arts scene worldwide. I was last in Edinburgh when we were invited to the Edinburgh International Festival in 2022.
Not only were we the first ever circus company to be invited by EIF which was a real thrill but we also had the priviledge of opening the Festival with a huge show with 60 performers on stage called MACRO at Murrayfield stadium followed by performances of THE PULSE at the Playhouse. In those 4 days 25,000 people saw our shows which was really exciting for us and the feedback was great.
Our last Fringe show was BACKBONE in 2019 and I loved that season too. Some of my other cast members were also at the Fringe with A SIMPLE SPACE before that. Edinburgh is a special place for many artists starting out as it can launch a career and that is very true for us.
A SIMPLE SPACE in 2013 at Edinburgh Fringe was the first ever international performance the company did. We’ve gone on to perform that show more than 1200 times across 38 countries and make 5 more shows that have also toured extensively worldwide.
What can you tell us about your show and its inspiration?
The inspiration comes from the quote, ‘It takes ten thousand hours to become a master of something’. The show explores those hours and the intricacies of the journey. Ten Thousand Hours is an ode to the dedication and time we’ve poured into our training and artistry to be where we are today. It explores the journey, not the culmination of achieving mastery. At its core, the show is about this specific group of people, our collaboration, and our commitment to each other, which shines through.
How do you think audiences will react to the show?
Ten Thousand Hours seeks to generate an insight into the history of the performers and the time and effort we’ve poured into our training and artistry. It’s full of acrobatic feats expected of acrobatics companies, so excitement, exhilaration (and a little bit of fear) are to be expected! I’d love audiences to leave feeling inspired to pick up an old new hobby and regain the love of learning something and the joy it can bring. At its core, the show is about the joy of doing something you love.
How have you been preparing for the festival?
The Ten Thousand Hours group has had a short break to reset after an eight-month tour through various countries with some of our other shows. Everyone has spent the break in varying ways: reconnecting with family, performing in other productions, continuing training, or having a well-earned beach holiday. Now we are coming back together from all corners of the world to rehearse in Aberdeen for a week and do 2 shows there. It will be a great prelude to our big Edinburgh season.
Will you get a chance to enjoy the rest of the festival?
Absolutely. Fortunately, we’re performing the whole month and our show is on at 11:40am at Assembly Hall which gives us the whole rest of the day to catch up with artist friends who are also in Edinburgh for the month, see other productions and get inspired by the plethora of art presented at such an incredible festival. We can’t wait!
Ten Thousand Hours is at Assembly Hall, Main Hall from 1 to 31 August 2024
