Wren Aubry (bottom), Shawn Hallman and Neal Cordova (above) in Echo’s Reach. PHOTO BY LYDIA DANILLER

Arriving at Brava Theater Center to see Echo’s Reach (written and directed by Tim Barsky), I wasn’t sure what to expect from my first experience of Urban Circus Arts. As described by City Circus, Urban Circus Arts is “a cross platform performance discipline that unites traditional circus arts (acrobatics, aerial acts, and contortion) with 20th century urban art forms (breakdancing, parkour, and hip-hop).” And I discovered during this amazing show that these art forms blend together beautifully. The performers, who literally “put their lives on the line” bringing this story of a circus in a prison to life, are so utterly amazing that I found myself saying “wow” out loud continually and uncontrollably throughout the brisk 90 minute show.

Echo’s Reach is the story of a girl named Echo trying to escape her life in a prison circus. Trying to find her way out, her exploration of the massive prison’s borders brings her into contact with a variety of characters and communities that all contribute to her ultimate self discovery. The script (read, chanted and sung primarily by Carlos Aguirre and Delina Patrice) has some affecting moments, yet for the most part it seems like a contrivance to get us from act to act. As such it works well, although at times the prison metaphors can feel a bit heavy handed.

The stage (set designed by Annie Hallat with John Mohr) is primarily bare with a band set upstage left. Visibly hanging from the rafters is a variety of gear (long fabric, ropes, hoops) which come into play repeatedly in different incarnations throughout the evening. The text was written and arranged by Tim Barsky, Carlos Aguire and Delina Patrice. And the score was composed and arranged by Kevin Carnes and Brandi Brandes with Delina Patrice, Tim Barsky, and Carlos Aguirre (phew!).

Before Echo sets off to escape the prison, she meets a warrior aerialist woman who decides to accompany her. Unfortunately the program doesn’t list which roles are played by which players (maybe it’s a circus thing?), so the names of most of these gifted performers are unclear. This warrior aerialist woman has some serious moves on the long-hanging scarf (which I believe is called aerial tissue). She also has seriously incredible arms. Note: Circus people seem to have gorgeously toned bodies. I’m just saying. 

Okay, back to the show. Echo and her friend follow bboy revolutionaries on the Underground Railroad to encounter a magical world populated by acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, contortionists, and musicians. The show culminates in “everyone celebrating with a grueling acrobatic dance routine” and a same sex wedding. A happy ending!

Other highlights include the performers throwing themselves at the back wall and climbing up each other until all fifteen or so are making a giant human bridge with their bodies. Also, the two young girl acrobats’ poised performances; Jan Damm’s “rolla bolla” act where he balances on boards and cans stacked about 20 feet high; and a guy spinning on his head! I could go on, but I want to save some moments for you to discover. 

Unfortunately, on the night I attended, Neal Cordova (the parkour master) had sustained a “serious minor injury” and did not perform. Parkour is an acrobatic discipline that uses available urban landscape for performing stunts. I was very impressed by the performance that night, knowing the show had been reconfigured at the last minute. And my disappointment was sweetly alleviated when Tim Barsky, the Artistic Director of City Circus, invited the audience back for the following week’s performance to enjoy the whole show as it was intended. I’ll see you there!

Echo’s Reach continues (Friday to Sunday, various times) at Brava Theater Center, 2781 24th Street, San Francisco. Tickets ($14-$35) call (415) 665-2275 or at citycircus.org.