11:11:40 ... “Siamese twins” hanging in the air from straps are separated at last when they fly high above the stage in a series of acrobatic figures, sometimes as a pair, sometimes solo. The two artists soar to impressive heights and crisscross above the stage while performing synchronized figures that require flawless timing.

In a performance that would have most definitely been The Atherton Twins’ had they stuck with the show, two brothers (Roman and Vitali Tomanov, from the US) perform an amazing new Aerial Straps routine in their stead. Consisting of two thin parallel straps several meters in length, along which the acrobat rolls and unrolls using the wrists and arms to execute rises, falls and acrobatics, all the while suspended. The aerial straps artists perform on a gigantic “drop of mercury” made entirely of fiberglass and covered in silver leaf.

This character, made of two conjoined twins, is named Jean-Claude (presumably, “Jean” and “Claude”), have been visible throughout the entire show so far, joined at the hips. Their gait is well-practiced, almost an optical illusion, as their legs swing in opposing, yet, synchronous patterns. They move fluidly about the stage, adept and elegant; however, during the aerial act, the two brothers part, sailing in opposing directions from each other, separate entities for the first time in their lives. They land, and stop to admire their legs, being able to see the other side of their bodies as never before. The act continues as a celebration of freedom, but soon evidence of unrest becomes apparent. A hint of competition or disagreement begins between the two brothers – perhaps they worked better as a team after all. More flying follows, fantastic acrobatic feats of strength and coordination, until both brothers land, side-by-side again, back on the mercury drop, their own small “Microcosmos”. Wrapping their arms around each other’s backs, they seem to choose to become conjoined again, returning to their state of teamwork and agreement.