As Circus Oz approaches its 50th anniversary in 2028, the company has proven to be one of the most successful performing arts organisations in Australia. They’ve been touring the world for most of their history and almost dissolved, post-COVID, in 2021 when the Australia Council put an ultimatum to them – restructure or lose funding. They weathered that storm and they continue to produce innovative contemporary circus every year.
Their
position at the Town Hall during the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is
a mainstay attraction, but it’s been several years since I’ve seen one of their
shows there because there’s always so much on at the time. Having taken a more
relaxed approach to the festival this year, I was pleased to be able to fit Here,
There and Everywhere in because I love the company’s work and it was the kind
of show I needed to see as we approach the final week of the festival.
As always,
Circus Oz is a multi-generational affair and under the astute direction of
Nicci Wilks, you never know what you’re going to get next. It’s a thrill to be
in a space full of cheering, laughing people – who are also tense during the
acrobatics and thrilled to be surprised every step of the way.
The company
has always, to my mind, been political in its commentary – the acrobatics early
in this show are accompanied by a story of a wealthy family who succeed just
because they are rich. It’s delightful to have this kind of satire woven in
with the most ridiculous clowning and the heart-racing circus acts.
Comedy is
always a good way to switch off from the troubles of the world, though in this
day and age it’s difficult for performers to cut all of that out. Circus
requires several more levels of skill and dexterity though, which meant there
were times when my brain was fully driven by a level of fear factor not seen at
the rest of the festival.
I love
Circus Oz’s deep embrace of the absurd (the bell helmets made me laugh a lot), while also finding new ways to freshen up some old acts like spinning
plates.
Here,
There and Everywhere!
is a deeply delightful, hugely entertaining show for the whole family.
Sometimes there’s so much going on, you don’t know where to look. And sometimes
there’s one thing so mesmerizing you cannot look away. Joyous, chaotic, bizarre
and hilarious. As always.
- Keith Gow, Theatre First
Photos: Ian Sutherland
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