IT’S a circus like you’ve never seen before.
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Forget lions and elephants, and imagine strong women and stunt-jumping flyers – this year’s Circus Oz defies the stereotypical idea of circus performance.
Drawing inspiration from the pre-digital age, touring show director Debra Batton said Circus Oz had been inspired by the idea of a traditional circus where animals were inexistent and live music was key.
“The digital age is the use of multi-tasking, work comes home with you, you can find information at impressive speeds and it’s almost impossible to keep up with,” she said. “Circus is an interesting forum for this. You want to do the next trick and take it to the next level, but are sometimes lacking the real human connection.
“So that’s why we are inspired by the traditional circus ... performers have a strong relationship, and respond with audiences.”
Ms Batton said unlike many circuses where a backing track was played, the live music allowed audiences to interact through all their senses.
One of two dedicated musicians at Circus Oz, percussionist Ben Hendry said the live music combined with the witty entertainment would suit circus and musical fans of all ages.
“There are so many styles of music played in a short amount of time,” he said.
“This is a fantastic night of entertainment. There are things that make you think and others that make you laugh.”
With death-defying aerialists, jugglers and flashy skills, the show beaome a cabaret twist, Ms Batton said.
“I think it’s one of those events you may have heard of, but once you go, it beats all your expectations,” she said.
“Every adult feels their inner child, and while there lots of laughs and fun for children, there is just as much going on for the adults. Children will be bouncing on their seats and at Circus Oz that’s allowed.”