Explosive, energetic, and unapologetically entertaining, After Dark Theatre makes a triumphant return to Fringe World in Perth, inviting audiences to dive headfirst into the neon-lit underworld of 'Barbaroi'.
This award-winning cyberpunk circus spectacle is a visceral journey.
'Barbaroi' will plunge its Fringe World audience into a dystopian realm, where high-octane acrobatics, cabaret, and physical theatre collide. The result? A daring and dangerous performance that captivates and mesmerises. With its bold storytelling and evocative visuals, the show weaves together a world steeped in cyberpunk aesthetics and retro '80s influences, creating a uniquely immersive atmosphere.
'Barbaroi' is a testament to the innovative spirit of contemporary theatre, sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Here, we speak to After Dark Theatre's Head Of Design Francesco Minniti about 'Barbaroi' before it hits the Perth stage.
After Dark Theatre was founded in 2007. What is the company’s mission and what does it set out to do with its performances?
After Dark Theatre was created to push the boundaries of what circus and physical theatre could be. Our mission is to craft immersive, visceral experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. We love blurring the lines between traditional circus, storytelling, and cutting-edge design. We aim to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and transport people to new worlds through our performances.
What kind of physical training or skills do you need to master for a show like ‘Barbaroi’?
'Barbaroi' demands a combination of elite physicality and artistic expression. Performers must master skills like parkour, acrobatics, aerial artistry, and stunt work, while also developing strong character-building and acting chops. The cyberpunk world of 'Barbaroi' requires performers to move with intensity and precision, embodying the gritty, rebellious energy of the show. Stamina and strength are essential, but so is the ability to connect with the audience through storytelling and raw emotion.
Image © Sean Breadsell
What has been the most challenging part of bringing this world to life on stage?
The most challenging aspect has been balancing the technical complexity of the acts with the immersive storytelling. Creating a cyberpunk world on stage requires not just physical skill but also integrating lighting, soundscapes, and costume design to build an atmosphere that feels authentic and captivating. Being a rough cyberpunk world, we then have to make it look dilapidated, while keeping it all functional. Another challenge is maintaining the high-energy pace of the show while ensuring every performer’s safety, especially when combining disciplines like aerials, and acrobatics.
What influenced the cyberpunk aesthetic and energy of 'Barbaroi’?
The cyberpunk aesthetic of 'Barbaroi' is inspired by dystopian sci-fi worlds, such as 'Blade Runner' and 'The Matrix', where rebellion and individuality clash against oppressive systems. The gritty, neon-lit environments of those stories felt like the perfect backdrop for a show that celebrates outcasts and defiance. The high-octane energy comes from urban street culture, underground art (where I came from with street stenciling and guerilla film-making), and the raw, anarchic spirit of punk, all reimagined in a futuristic setting.
How has it been to be involved in this production?
It’s been an exhilarating and rewarding journey. Seeing the vision of 'Barbaroi' evolve from concept, to short stories, then book, to finally a reality has been incredible, especially as every performer and creative team member brings their unique flair to the production. It’s a physically and mentally demanding show, but the payoff is seeing audiences completely absorbed in the world we’ve created – it makes every challenge worth it.
What messages or themes do you hope audiences take from ‘Barbaroi’?
At its core, 'Barbaroi' is about individuality, resilience, and the power of standing out in a world that tries to force conformity. This is all masked with a gang-like world and dystopian society backdrop. We want audiences to feel empowered to embrace their unique traits and explore what it means to defy expectations. There’s also a theme of community; finding your tribe, even if it’s on the fringes of society.
What makes ‘Barbaroi' a great fit for Fringe World, and how does the festival's energy enhance the show?
Fringe World celebrates creativity, risk-taking, and pushing boundaries; all things 'Barbaroi' embodies. The festival’s electric atmosphere and open-minded audiences make it the perfect stage for a show like ours, which thrives on breaking conventions and delivering something unexpected. The buzz and diversity of Fringe World elevate the experience, making every performance feel like part of something much bigger.
How do you think Fringe World helps innovative and genre-defying shows like ‘Barbaroi' find an audience?
Fringe World has an incredible way of connecting daring, unconventional shows with audiences who crave something fresh and exciting. It’s a platform that champions innovation, allowing productions like 'Barbaroi' to reach people who might not usually seek out circus or theatre but are drawn in by the festival’s diverse offerings. It’s also a space where word-of-mouth spreads quickly, helping unique shows build momentum and find their audiences.
And how does performing at the festival shape your approach to engaging such a wide range of people?
Fringe audiences are wonderfully diverse, which pushes us to keep the show dynamic, relatable, and universally engaging. We focus on crafting moments that speak to people on multiple levels – whether it’s the high-adrenaline stunts, the emotional beats, or the striking visuals. Performing at Fringe also teaches us to adapt and thrive in unique venues and settings, making the experience even more exciting and immersive for everyone involved.
'Barbaroi' plays Big Top at The Pleasure Garden (Fringe World) 17 January-16 February.
