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An awe-inspiring aerial and
multi-dimensional rave-up

"Fuerza Bruta: Look Up"
Auditorium Theatre
Chicago, IL
May 25, 2010
Fuerza Bruta: Look Up Fuerza Bruta: Look Up

Story by Andy Argyrakis
Publicity Photos

Having already made the rounds in New York, London, Argentina, Colombia and Brazil, the truly inexplicable variety show "Fuerza Bruta: Look Up" continues to grow with celebrity appeal and general audience adulation. Artistic director Diqui James, (who also created "De La Guarda") already has a slew of famous fans (including Madonna, Justin Timberlake and Sting), while the general population is going gaga over his ingenious premise and ability to break new performance ground on a variety of levels.

For starters, the spectacle truly lives up to its title as the crowd stands on the actual stage and performers appear on elevated platforms, the walls, the ceiling and even a transparent swimming pool elevated above their heads. All the while, a pulsating soundtrack blazes out of a DJ's speakers, recalling the rave scene at its peak, crossed with the vibes of Daft Punk, Moby, Underworld or The Chemical Brothers. Though there's defiantly plenty of moments for everyone to dance as if the stage is a night club, most of the show reads like a tripped-out dream sequence that bears subconscious resemblance to Pink Floyd's The Wall or Blue Man Group, all while remaining remarkably original.

As for the scenes, they include a man running briskly on a treadmill with violent winds blowing, only to be shot and suddenly collapse with blood trickling down his shirt to rapidly beating drums. Soon after, he's revived in a new segment where he's running through a series of white brick walls (basically cardboard boxes) that tumble all across the stage and occasionally explode with white confetti. Though lacking completely in plot, there's plenty of awe-inspiring eye candy, most notably, the see through aqua lounge that's lowered from the ceiling with four swimmers conducting stunts and intense falling or splashing sequences above the audience.

But attendees should be warned there are plenty of chances to get wet (either from splashes, various misting machines that go off randomly or a shower scene that leaves those under it absolutely drenched). Older or traditional theatre audiences will likely find themselves uncomfortable with the volume and intensity level, plus the fact that they're forced to stand the entire time and peer upwards for a little over an hour. However, fans of the aforementioned entities or those looking for a truly revolutionary entertainment experience are sure to find "Fuerza Bruta: Look Up" worth the variables, if only for being unlike anything they've ever witnessed.

"Fuerza Bruta: Look Up" continues at the Auditorium Theatre in an open run. For additional details, visit www.fuerzabruta.net or www.broadwayinchicago.com

Fuerza Bruta: Look Up Fuerza Bruta: Look Up

Marcello Curotti
Marcello Curotti
Nazarena Mon
Nazarena Mon
Diqui James
Diqui James

Fuerza Bruta: Look Up

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