NoFit State's Sabotage at the Galway International Arts Festival Review- Creative Circus Piece Plays with Chaos
- Richard Brown
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 16
A political driven piece with spectacular high flying tricks has arrived at Nimmos Pier for the Galway International Arts Festival, but struggles to land its delivery.
⭐⭐⭐
The circus has come to town at the Galway International Arts Festival, as circus troop NoFit State have constructed a visually impressive tent at the start of Nimmos Pier. It is clear that this company is a well oiled machine. Since 1986, they have toured the world with their performances, visiting 19 countries and performing at major venues, including the Edinburgh Fringe, and now the Galway International Arts Festival.
Upon entering the performance space, the impressiveness continues as we are seated in the round, with four large pillars with plenty of ropes and levers are awaiting their role in supporting the acrobatic troops heights and falls. We were perched just behind the band, which is made up of percussion, a violin, a piano, a guitar and a variety of brass instruments. However, most musicians will be seen flying from the roof, or spinning on a rope as they double as performers. This is where the chaos begins.
What is Sabotage?
I usually spend some time telling my readers what the plot of the show is, without giving away spoilers. But Sabotage is one of those shows where everyone will have their own interpretation of the story. From my experience, it is a political driven piece about War and Immigration. It even includes a section referencing famous heads of states being paraded around the ring in ridiculous outfits. Act I ends with an almost tongue and cheek reference to "Yes, we are all having a horrible time, but the world is a circus, so embrace it!" To be honest, I enjoy theatre that forces me to create my own storyline, but Sabotage falls victim to the common problem of losing its purpose.
Within the chaos of drag queens, footballers, hula hoopers and trapeze; the story becomes muddled. Act I is extremely strong with its references to police riots, army trucks, immigrants being "shipped" in a shipping container, while a beach party occurs on top. Act II loses this story arc. Although it contains one of the most striking pieces, where the words "Everyone is Welcome Here" is projected onto the floor while a performer is blocked from performing by other actors, we see less and less of the current political climate informing the acts in this section.
Is Sabotage worth seeing?
Once you were able to accept the fact that this show is focusing more on pleasing the audience and keeping them engaged, it becomes a more enjoyable experience. It should be noted that this show is far from being not entertaining! The artists in this show all double in multiple ways; from playing trumpet, to standing on someone's shoulders to flying into the air. The skill level of these performers are off the charts and their stage presence draws you in. Some pieces were breath-taking and the audience feel like they are part of the show. One could say that what it lacks in its storytelling, it makes up for with it's heart, making it a crowd favourite!
On a dark and wet Monday night, NoFit State brought light in its charm and performers. Perhaps it's better to embrace the chaos and accept this show for what it is; an unusual evening of entertainment and joy.
Ticket Information and Show Times for Sabotage.
Sabotage runs until the 27th of July at Nimmos Pier, Galway. Show time is at 8PM. Matinees occur on Saturday and Sundays at 1PM. No shows on Tuesday the 15th and Monday 21st of July. Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office on 091 566 577, visiting the Festival Box Office on Eyre Square or through their website https://www.giaf.ie/
Location: Nimmos Pier, Galway
Date of Review: 14th of July
Star Rating: ⭐ ⭐⭐
Disclaimer: I was invited to review this show as part of the Festival on July 14th, 2025. All views are my own and were not influenced by the invite.
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