It’s a symphony of rhythm, percussion and movement, a worldwide phenomenon that has travelled all over the world for the last 20 years, performed in 48 countries and seen by over 15 million people. Now, for a brief moment in time; “STOMP” is here in Canberra.
The show relies purely on the sounds the performers can produce from everyday household objects. There is no storyline. There are no instruments. There is no speaking. It is a piece of theatre unlike any other experience in the world.
The most amazing feature of the show is the absolute precise and meticulous timing of the sounds being made from items like brooms, bins and basketballs and just about anything you could possibly find in the dusty corners of your garage. The clanging of trolleys and sweeping of dust, even the simplicity of synchronising lighter clicks had the audience in complete awe.
There room buzzed with positive energy – coupled with hysterical laughter and cheers from the audience clearly impressed and amused by the magic on stage. It is no wonder the show has, and continues, to be so successful. The visual comedy elements were engaging and clever and best of all the entire crowd got a chance to get involved in the action, clapping and clicking along with the performers during segments, the interaction was great and made you feel like one of the crew.
Each performer had their own unique style, yet they all came together with such precise synergy and talent you were completely enthralled in the action wondering what will come up next, and in the end you just embrace it and go along with the ride, because it’s an experience that is a ‘need to see it to believe it’ kind of show that’s captivating and frankly motivating – how the creators were able to come up with such an amazing show essentially using nothing to make something; which is not to take away from the pure skill and music instinct that the STOMP crew makes look so easy.
It is no wonder the appeal of STOMP is far reaching all over the world, performing in Broadway and even at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics.
They are ordinary people doing extraordinary things with ordinary objects – and it is simply amazing.
