Circus Oz
Run away to the circus
22 January 2003
Everyone has dreamed of running away to the circus at least once during their childhood. The prospect of fame, travel, glamour and excitement has caused many a small child to be found two blocks from home, hunting for the nearest big top, clad only in a ballet leotard and plastic tiara. Not that I'd know anything about that.
But for those of us who never quite made it out of our own neighbourhood, the return of Circus Oz (Moore Park, until 2 Feb) is the perfect opportunity to relive the joy and magic of the childhood experience. With the artistic majesty of classical ballet and the energetic sound of a rock concert, Circus Oz is anything but a traditional circus. Most noticeably is the lack of animals, a rule which Circus Oz has maintained as a statement against animal cruelty. Fans of Dumbo can rest-assured that the human cast will compensate even the most fervent pachiderm lover, while the lack of the smell of elephant dung is nothing but bliss.
The cast of Circus Oz comprises some of the most talented young acrobatic and circus performers from Australia and overseas. It is thus with great sadness that I discover I probably wouldn't have been accepted by any reputable circus even if I had escaped my mother's eagle eyes at age 4. "Casting for Circus Oz is a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack," comments Artistic Director Mike Finch. "Not only do our performers need to have some seriously spectacular skills, a whole range of group abilities, play an instrument and not be afraid of heights, but they also have to be incredibly charismatic, easy to get along with, have great ideas and be capable of making them reality." Pity I don't like heights.
The current tour features a number of such multi-talented new performers, including Sosina Wogaychu from Circus Ethiopia, with her jaw dropping contortion and amazing seven ball juggling act. As always, the program will feature a range of new stunts and skills, developed over a four month break from touring during the second half of 2002. During this time the ensemble experimented with wild new acts and generally encouraged each other to try ever-stranger and more unexpected tricks. And in typical Circus Oz style, they have managed to integrate a political message into the performance, with a somewhat bizarre physical tribute to the plight of asylum seekers in Australia.
Run away to Moore Park (NSW) until 2 February for a great way to relive some childhood memories. For more information visit http://www.circusoz.com.au. You can leave your leotard and tiara at the door.
