Since last appearing in Melbourne, Circus Oz have thrilled Vienna, Barcelona, Berlin, Sydney, Brisbane, Nambour, Maryborough, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Townsville, Mount Isa, Cairns and Sao Paulo with their stunts and antics. They've also wiled away the time building a brand new 1400 seat big top and have been joined by two new cast members.

The Circus Oz Band, which has won praise around the world for its dynamism and sheer energy, has been joined by performer and composer Pete Humble. Involved in a wide range of fields including theatre, improvisation and experimental music, Pete's speciality is drums and percussion.

The other addition to the Circus Oz troupe is seasoned performer Sosina Wogayehu, who has spent five years with Circus Ethiopia before studying in Australia. Some of the stunts under her belt and elsewhere are a mind-boggling contortion act and a seven ball juggle session. "Sosi creates the most complex and intricate percussive and visual patterns with solid rubber balls. It's the kind of act that can't be faked in any way, the product of endless hours of concentration and training," says Circus Oz Artistic Director Mike Finch. "From a kid's circus in Addis Ababa, to a life touring around the capitals of Europe, through a hefty immigration process and finally to the Circus Oz ensemble, Sosi's story reminds us that the world is a very big place. Amazingly, for someone who has been through so much she is still chronically optimistic!"

Further information:

Image c. Ponch Hawkes

Circus Oz
Thursday 20 June - Sunday 14 July
Melbourne Town Hall
Cnr Swanston and Collins St, Melbourne
Bookings: 136 100

Website: http://www.circusoz.com.au/