Combining contemporary circus acts with ‘Alice in Wonderland’-inspired elements, ‘Beyond’ is a circus performance unlike any other.
Fresh from a record-breaking Berlin season, local circus troupe Circa is back in its home town for the premiere of its latest production. Staged at Brisbane Powerhouse, the show features seven artists on several stages and incorporates an audio backdrop of show tunes, ballads and electronica. One of the performers Bridie Hooper has been involved in the circus since she was 11 and has trained and performed all over the world.
What is 'Beyond' all about and why should people come see it?
For me, Beyond is a show that allows the peculiar to unfold within a person and reveal itself and it can be liberating yet also dubious.
Describe the show in five words?
Enticing, Kooky, Warm, Playful, Charming.
What role do you play and how did you become involved?
There aren’t any specific roles in the show, but in an acrobatic sense, I’m an aerialist and contortionist.
You began in the circus at the age of 11, where has your journey taken you thus far?
I began with Spaghetti Circus in Mullumbimby and then moved to the Flying Fruit Fly Circus in Albury. From there I left for Montreal where I studied and upon graduating in 2012, I toured Quebec and worked in Italy and Germany before returning to Australia to join Circa.
Your fav moment in this show and why?
I have many favourite moments in the show, with each performer’s journey there comes a favourable part. Some of mine are: Skip's lovability in his bear suit, Paul's magical paper propeller and seeing Kat's muscles working in her handstand act (and now you’ll have to see the show to know which parts I’m talking about!).
What has circus taught you about life?
I think life generally teaches you about life. I still have a lot to learn from circus and life, but for now I can say it has taught me the importance of confidence, vulnerability and generosity.
Best advice someone gave you about life and your career?
To trust in the world, in those around you and in yourself.
If someone had to play you in a movie about your life, who would it be and why?
Jason Schwartzman. Though I’m not sure if he’s experienced in the circus arts, and his gender could make things difficult. But I love his quirkiness, and under the direction of Wes Anderson (who I hope would be the director of this unlikely biographical movie), he is brilliant.
What kind of preparation and training do you need to do for a show like this?
Training involves a lot of body maintenance like physio (for shoulders and core strength) and working on solo and group skills. Preparation for the show includes a thorough warm-up and spending some time on my straps, then a mental run through of certain acts and transitions.
Describe a typical rehearsal.
Rehearsals generally start with a warm-up to get physical and to reconnect with our bodies. Then we train skills and spend time creating new tricks or reworking old ones. Often from there on in there’s lots of experimenting with various ideas and improvising under certain ‘guidelines’ that might apply to the idea we’re trying.
A quick tip to becoming more flexible and strong?
Stretch, swim and go to the gym regularly.
Advice to young performers?
Train hard, but take the time to nourish your creativity and see as many performances as you can, from circus to theatre to dance.
Life and circus are similar in what ways?
Both require a lot of strength, physically and mentally, and both can be breathtaking.
'Beyond' takes place at Brisbane Powerhouse from April 30 – May 11.
