I always found myself curious about a certain scenario. How does one approach that dreadful conversation as a teenager, where you are asked the inevitable question about your future? “So my child, what do you want to do when you grow up?” Most parents would get the usual vitriol about wanting to be doctors, lawyers and maybe even an international superstar. But very rarely would you get a response along the lines of, “Well, Mother, I want to join the Circus.” So it came to pass on a chilly Tuesday evening that I was giddy with excitement at the thought of seeing these amazing individuals realise their dream, with many of these young students aiming for the heights of circus fame or their own individual stardom.
Being a self-confessed circus virgin, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t sceptical about it all. But what I was lucky enough to witness over the next two hours not only made me laugh and cheer with the crowd, but the astonishment on the crowd’s faces was something to be savoured. These aerobically perfect athletes are, without doubt, the closest things on earth to being super human.
In addition to these brilliant individuals, one could not help but notice the aesthetics of the stage. It is amazing what you can do with a simple arena if given an ample sound and lighting crew. Not to be outdone by the acrobatics of the event, the combination of red and green lighting, along with eclectic tailor-made outfits focusing heavily on black and white stripes mixed with coloured leggings provided an ample backdrop with an ambience of the Cabaret lifestyle, circa 1935. The vibe of happiness was prominent amongst the performers, leaving even the most cynical member of the audience brimming with glee at their set-up and appearance. If you think the meticulous nature of this profession is not taken very seriously, I implore you to re-consider, as I was forced to experience this first hand. Within five minutes of the show commencing, an enthusiastic sound and lighting chap snapped at me, vehemently asking, “Can you please be quiet?”
Their show opened with an ironic, yet familiar, set of statements. Remembering the importance of unleashing our inner child, the audience were reminded of the time we were told that Santa didn’t in fact exist. That some of us slept in our parents rooms until age twelve, and who was that childhood hero that left money under our pillow whenever we lost teeth? How quickly we forget the innocent and unassuming mentality that children bring to this world, whilst we as stressed adults strive to win that competitive rat race.
Assiduous young athletes, the students of the National Institute of Circus Arts throw caution to the wind, showcasing death-defying stunts and acrobatic genius. With apparatus likened to swinging hammocks, jungle vines and the customary Olympic rings, the crowd bore witness to stunts that had us fearing for these acrobats lives along with the general shock that they sent through the audiences senses.
As any athlete is told, good quality hand and eye co-ordination is viewed as a blessing in disguise for so many around the world. Names like Brian Lara and Kevin Pietersen come to mind, but in the world of circus arts, having this quality is clearly a pre-requisite. If you were to conduct a survey of which acts people would enjoy more, you are likely to be inundated with results favouring the sky-high acrobats and their gravity-defying actions. However, playing an important and somewhat more entertaining role were the later acts. Standing out, in my opinion, was young acrobat, Takayuki Seki, who ever so nonchalantly twirled and tossed a five meter wide Bola above his head. Such was the skill and precision at which he completed this act, one could have sworn he was a regular on the set of John Woo’s latest action blockbuster.
Ensuring the show was not simply an exercise in gasping and gaiety, the light-hearted nature that circus acts are renowned for was maintained regularly. With family-friendly humour, allowing the clown in all of us to cherish the pure happiness on the children’s faces, the students of NICA put on an amazing performance.
Appealing to people of all ages, and with Circus Oz having kicked off, the talent on display in the NICA building is something that really needs to be seen to be believed. I for one shall never question the appeal of the circus ever again.
Now, it’s time to go ice my knee after attempting to perform something remotely acrobatic in the confines of my own home. Note to self: Do not try this at home. EVER AGAIN.
We All Fall Down at The National Circus Centre, Green Street, Prahran, Melbourne, until June the 26th, 2010.
Book online at: www.nica.com.au
