Duel Reality by Seven Fingers is a touring show that is currently playing at Seattle Rep Theatre in Seattle until June 22nd 2025. I was invited to see Duel Reality at Seattle Rep on its opening night and was seated on stage. Have you ever sat on stage for a play?
But Duel Reality isn’t just a play. And I’m not sure it’s totally a musical either, even though I really loved the music too. I would classify this more as a theatrical experience. And I would really recommend sitting on stage. I’m not someone who likes to participate in onstage things and I’m very wary of unsolicited participation of any kind. (ie. you will not catch me in any visible row in a comedic performance EVER). But there is an exhilarating feeling about being SO close to the performers in this particular theatrical experience as they fly through the air and execute incredible stunts. And you get to see all their expressions up close too.
I had mistakingly assumed this would be like Cirque du Soleil because of the stunts performed by the Seven Fingers Creative Collective (and they are also based in Montreal), but this performance didn’t have the same clowning feel that’s I’ve seen from Cirque- it relied on more dance acrobatics, it was more intimate and I was definitely very moved by the sentiment of this show. They do such a beautiful job of telling a story with their movements. I can remember the weighty feeling of this performance, but I can’t remember any significant dialogues or words.
I have seen so many takes on Romeo and Juliet (haven’t we all-there’s also a musical version coming to the Paramount later this year) and this one was unexpected and well done. It’s one I want my teenagers to see and it made me more curious about Seven Fingers‘ other works. Apparently they have a performance in San Francisco called Dear San Francisco that seems like it’s a more permanent show. And as for kids, I think the lowest age recommendation for Duel Reality is around age 8 and this feels like it’s a good suggestion-that’s an age where kids might start to understand some of the complexities of the drama and meaning of the show and not just be wowed by the acrobatics and stunts. After Seattle, Duel Reality heads to Washington DC and then on to Europe. And I hope we see more of Seven Fingers in Seattle again soon.
Terumi Pong is a Seattle-based family travel writer and mom of twin teenage boys. She loves coffee and pastries, shopping local and looking for greener ways to live. She is also known as Scout’s mom (Scout is a 5ish pound little black yorkie-poo)
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