Big show set in a small space is child’s delight

Hocus Pocus (The Studio) Verdict: Weird – and not a little wonderful

MOST of the events that comprise the Edinburgh International Festival are aimed at an adult audience – so it is good to see a production designed for children as well.

Last year, Scottish Opera decided to break the mould with BambinO, although as part of the Fringe rather than the EIF. This year, we have Hocus Pocus as part of the official Festival.

Aimed at children from seven years upwards and their families, it is the creation of Swiss/ Algerian choreographer Philippe Saire.

Basically, it tells the story of two young men (played by Ismael Oiartzabal and Mickael Henrotay-Delaunay) and their series of adventures as they strive to overcome darkness and fear.

The action takes place within – and occasionally slightly outwith – the confines of a window delineated by strips of white light. But the physicality and invention on display in this roughly 6ft by 3ft space is quite astonishing.

Against a backdrop of black darkness you see hands, feet, seemingly disembodied limbs – and it’s not always entirely certain to which dancer they belong. At times, the pair appear to be in conflict, at others, the bond they form seems to be inseparable.

Their journey encompasses land, air and sea, in a stunning vision of physical invention. Strange things happen. A spider’s web entangles them; a medieval warrior in chain mail threatens.

Like Icarus, one seems to fly too close to the Sun. He plummets and they plunge into the ocean, to face a terrifying creature from the depths.

In the end, as it must for a seven-year-old audience, everything works out well, as the two unnamed protagonists triumph over adversity.

IT is weird – and not a little wonderful – how such adventures can be conjured up by two dancers operating in such a confined space.

This show worked really well in the sold-out Studio, an enclosed and intimate venue on Edinburgh’s Potterow.

Most importantly of all. It seemed to work for most of the children. Although one or two were perhaps a little confused, there were none of the tears and tantrums sometimes seen on such occasions.

Perhaps the International Festival should aim more events at a younger audience. Who knows, they may come back when they are an older one.