Never was the phrase “Woman on the edge” more aptly used than to describe Jerk, a fusion of circus, dance and drama.

The phenomenally strong Emma Sarjeant of Casus Circus presents her first solo show, a performance at once challenging, disconcerting, brave and utterly compelling.

Her form of acrobatics is raw, real: the iron ring she climbs through digs into her flesh as she plays a woman inhabiting the uncomfort-able space between life and death, expressing her guilt, trying to make sense of things, questioning her sanity as well as her existence.

Sarjeant’s piece addresses the paradox that such physical strength exists within the fragility of human existence. Masterful with her balances one minute, repeating poignant, childlike musings the next, a haunting soundtrack adds to the other-worldly feel of Sarjeant’s experience.

In her final leap to freedom, into the realm of shadows, there is blessed release, yes, but we are left with a keen sense of the spiritual trauma involved in moving from this world to the next if we’re not ready to go. Deserving of a wider audience, Jerk is a piece of theatre that will stay with you long after the performance ends.