World rolls up for a unique Queensland circus
There was a time when running away to the circus was rich in romance but poor in financial return. Today the romance remains but modern circuses are big business, and contemporary circus company, Circa, is one of an increasing number of Queensland artists exporting their original product to the world.
The company recently returned to Australia from Ireland’s prestigious Galway Arts Festival with the applause from the standing ovations received after every performance still ringing in their ears.
The Irish Independent wrote that Circa was ‘… stunning audiences into a mesmerised silence with … seemingly impossible grace … that leaves you in no doubt you are witnessing something genuinely special’.
Fusing traditional circus craft with contemporary arts practices such as music, multi-media and improvisation, Circa creates a theatrical experience that is intellectual, emotional and humane.
Circa Artistic Director Yaron Lifschitz sees the company’s international success as the culmination of years of foot-slog at arts markets, self-belief and an exceptional product.
“We believed that our work could hold its own on the international stage, and it does,” Mr Lifschitz said.
“The Galway Arts Festival capped off a tour that encompassed the United Kingdom, Germany, The Netherlands, Hungary, Japan, Canada, Romania and Thailand.
“We’ve just performed at the Taranaki International Arts Festival in New Zealand and during the next 12 months we’ll visit Columbia, the United States and Belgium.
“Some of the highlights of our international touring have included playing to packed audiences in Romania, while in Budapest the theatre staff had to ask the audience to stop clapping and leave so they could set up for a later show.”
Australian audiences and critics have been no less enthusiastic about Circa’s unique blend of dance, gymnastics and centre-ring showmanship.
The production The Space Between played to full houses at The Roundhouse Theatre in Brisbane and the Sydney Opera House as part of the Sydney Festival, prior to wowing overseas audiences.
The Space Between was also nominated for a Helpmann Award, the Australian equivalent of a Tony or Olivier award, in the category of best visual or physical theatre production. It didn’t win, however the nomination and successful overseas tour boosted the company’s confidence to continue its brave programming.
Established in 1987, Circa receives operational funding from Arts Queensland and has also received grants through the Strengthening the Sector program, which assists small to medium-sized arts organisations with touring costs and to develop new work.
The company also conducts circus classes for children and adults in Fortitude Valley and performs at corporate events. These commercial ventures have seen Circa achieve a strong level of self-sufficiency and increase its earned income by 230 per cent since 2004.
“I think the boldness and freshness of our vision could only exist in a place like Queensland where we are connected to global currents yet are still a frontier, seeking a cultural identity and a place in the world,” Mr Lifschitz said.
“The State Government support that we enjoy is also pivotal to our ability to survive, prosper and grow. And we return on the government’s investment by touring and spreading the understanding that Queensland is a centre for creativity, inspiration and innovation.”
Story: Jill Martin
Photos: Circa
Last reviewed 17 December 2007
