Circus Oz has been a leading force in Australian circus ever since it was formed in 1978. But for its Sidesault festival, the company is throwing its support behind six smaller companies from across Australia and New Zealand who are pushing boundaries in the contemporary circus world.
Sidesault is co-curated by Brian Robertson (Melba Spiegeltent producer) and Antonella Casella (Circus Oz senior artistic associate), who said: “This year’s artists bringing bold new voices into the circus arena. They are driven to combine and push their incredible circus skills to create some really edgy, emotive and exciting works.”
You can see everything from extreme and innovative physical stunts to contemporary clowning and high-tech juggling.
This year’s shows are:
My Sight - Their Sight, a work showing how people move through physical spaces when their sight is compromised. It’s the work of Victorian company Blindful, which is led by artistic director Abbie Madden. Madden was born with a vision impairment.
Laser Kiwi, which combines physical comedy with circus – expect to see matches being lit with toes and acts inspired by Japanese game shows.
BOSS Squad, a work led by five ferocious women who are here to call out the cat callers and unite women.
Jugg Life, a performance from two of Australia’s leading jugglers, Byron Hutton and Richard Sullivan.
Hell is other people, an autobiography told through circus. It’s the story of Jess Love, who has recently moved on from serial monogamy to polyamory.
Feed the Horse, a confronting performance combining ritualistic dance, butoh and the absurdist to stretch the limits of the ensemble’s bodies.