It tells the story of post-industrial cities now in decay, as metal and wooden objects intersect with fast-paced acrobatics. Here, acrobat Jessica Connell reveals more about 'Landscape With Monsters'.
What part of the performance has people on the edge of their seat the most?
'Landscape With Monsters' is a different type of circus show. It has not got any classical circus apparatus and acts. It is a group of people with hard wooden edges, climbing tall objects and balancing on the edge of teetering objects. This sense of real, everyday danger we hope is what keeps people on the edge of their seats in different moments throughout the show.
What sort of comments do you get from the audience at the end of the show?
So far the comments have been very positive. People mention a sense of connection to the objects and people on stage and surprisingly a lot of people in the construction business tend to really enjoy the show, so ladies bring your partner along.
Image © Lisa TomasettiWhat is the most difficult part of the show to perform?
For me the group acrobatic acts (where we throw, catch and stand on one another) are the most difficult in this show as we have to dodge and look out for the obstacles on stage. Hard edges and no mats adds a element of extra danger and, therefore, difficulty.
Is the show suitable for children? And if so what sorts of ages?
'Landscape With Monsters' is definitely family-friendly. But as the show sits in the world of circus and physical theatre it may ask its audience for a bit more patience. My friend's six-year-old daughter saw the show and loved it!
Image © Jason OrganWhat is different/unique about this show as compared to other Circa performances?
'Landscape With Monsters' explores a new world with Circa. There is no circus apparatus in site. More stripped back, the show explores humans and the building of landscapes and objects and the human connection to these man-made creations.
What is Circa's goal when putting shows together?
Does each show have underlying meanings and messages? Circa is dedicated to creating new and innovative work not just internally in the company but globally. We try and choose concepts we have never explored before and to make each show different from the last.
Image © Lisa TomasettiWhat kind of preparation goes into putting a show like this together?
For a show like this often we spend a few weeks exploring and creating concepts for a new show. Circa tours multiple shows almost all year round, so sometimes this process can begin while on tour performing a different show months before we even begin rehearsals. This is usually followed by a rehearsal period in our Brisbane studio. This can be anywhere between two weeks or six weeks depending on our schedule. In this time we tend to focus more on making the acts, training the skills and working with the Director to get the intention and flow of the show ready for opening night.
Circa's 'Landscape With Monsters' Tour Dates
22 July – Redland Performing Arts Centre25 July – Byron Bay Theatre
28 July – Newcastle Civic Theatre
6-9 September – Canberra Theatre Centre
14 September – Orange Civic Theatre
21 September – Griffith Regional Theatre
23 September – Illawarra Performing Arts Centre
