One of our last trips to the separatist state of Western Australia, we had a day to do stuff with our kids that didn't involve eating out too much... and my wife saw that it was the last day of a Street Busking festival down in the port town of Fremantle!
Now, there are buskers and then there are buskers... in Europe, we had seen some pretty damn amazing ones! People who essentially made their living traveling and performing on the streets, in between various festivals and other "normal" shows.
All the acts were done on closed off streets, and that meant ground level seating... or standing room behind... or some people thought ahead and snagged spots on nearby pubs!
First up for the day, Reuben DotDotDot... an acrobat who started off with some tricks, both juggling and balance stuff... wow, some pretty damn impressive strength and balance there!
Followed by some patter where he started setting up a huge pole... and demonstrated some impressive climbing techniques... as well, as some hair-raising dives towards the bare concrete with no safety gear!
... and finally, doing a similar balance trick... albeit up about 10 metres from the ground!
... and after each half hours performance slot, it was a shift to a different spot to see a different act... and perhaps getting an ice-cream on the way!
The next act was a Japanese act, Haribow, that had apparently been on an X-factor like show... doing some skip-rope tricks mixed with synchonised dancing. The definitely seemed much less experienced than the other acts that were also showing... and part of that was spending roughly 5 minutes at the start of the act asking for money and donations...
... don't do that, do the pitch AT THE END!
Anyway, the act itself was short... and padded out with pretty ordinary dancing. I'm afraid that this was a bit of a low point for the acts.... but maybe they will get better with more experience.
Next up, Lisa Lottie from the Netherlands! She didn't sound very Dutch, but when my kids went up to give her money, they spoke Dutch with her... and I think she was pretty surprised, but talked to them in Dutch as well!
Anyway, she was a contortionist and hula-hooping acrobat... with a hook of making butch looking guys wave pick twirlies!
... and I have to say, it was pretty damn impressive! But the contortions were pretty freaky!
... and then after a dinner break, we moved onto the night time fire show presented by Compagnie Bilbobasso. Everyone loves fire shows... and this was weaved in with a unspoken play, tango, and narrative of two lovers falling into and out of love with each other. It was really quite touching... and you could definitely follow along without any need for verbal communication.
... and wow, you could feel the heat of the fireworks and firebursts from 100 metres away! Very very impressive, and a great way to finish the festival day!