Review: Australia’s own Circus Oz dazzles upon return to Melbourne
IN this day and age, it’s hard to think that money isn’t god.
For this reason, it’s refreshing to have participated in something that bucks the trend and points out the humour of the fact in a satirical piss-take that only something Melbourne-born would be able to achieve.
Australia’s own Circus Oz is back in town at Birrarung Maar for June-July and is taking its newfound vigour for life to the next level following a very busy and equally successful trip around the US and to Montreal, Canada.
Now in its 35th year, Circus Oz has shaken things up and introduced a refreshed cast of old and new in an attempt to develop a story worth watching in their latest instalment But Wait… There’s More.
Delivered through mildly interactive means with a distinguishable hint of jarring anti-capitalism, anti-consumerism and stabs at Australian social equality norms at every opportunity, Circus Oz’s rendition was as engaging as it was antagonising.
The show is sheathed nicely in rousing vocal work by an obviously passionate social inclusion and expression advocate singer Candy Bowers. Coupled with the show’s emphasis on grippingly adept acrobatics and use of the body most can only dream of, the message of their agenda is received loud and clear.
Punctuated rhythmically throughout with cheeky interjections by the show’s in-situ ringmaster, all of which satirically reinforces the jibes at issues of emigration, mass consumption, body image and money, the show travels at a healthy speed which keeps the audience at bay in equal measures of engagement and trepidation.
Meanwhile the stage décor to accompany But Wait…There’s More took-on the appearance of a derelict musical theatre, which when combined with the live on-stage band that backed every moment of the roughly two-hour show, fit perfectly and allowed the performances of the artists to shine.
Loaded with aspects of poignancy from their message, the creativity of their art and how welcoming and supportive the circus movement is of all minorities, it’s hard to shy away from the large community network that underpins the operation.
A hit in Melbourne’s and no doubt among Australia’s LGBTI community, the circus arts that draw in the crowds and generate enthusiasm through means other than bold advertising campaigns make for a refreshing take on social movement.
