Aurora

Climate change and toxic waste are hot topics with a massive world-wide protest movement on the rise to save the earth. Circus Oz, on the awareness campaign, have created Aurora, set in the cold regions where ice melts and oil spillage are destroying natural wild life habitats.

Under the big top a dazzling light show, wired with booming soundscapes and inventive video projection, melded into each routine to create a spectacle that is equivalent to a Cirque de Soleil show. The power of technology in modern day circus, clearly evident in Aurora, indicates the demands of our increasingly sophisticated young and adult audiences.

New director Kate Fryer and her fabulous team have developed an animated spectacular, beginning with the ensemble team performing the “Flying Penguins”, waddle-dancing in bright orange feet to a Latino-rumba beat, while bouncing big sparkle balls into the gleeful audience.

The wonderful Tara Silcock strings the show along as the mischievous, rambunctious Polar Bear clown who sings, dances, tumbles and foot balances. She takes the role of the unofficial mascot and all-round performer, leaping and sliding across the ice (circus ring), including a hilarious cartoonish “vomit” sequence that has her burping up fish bones.

The floor acrobatics between Jilibalu Riley and Shani Stephens is a feisty competitive chase for food in “fish fight”, while the ensemble team in “storm chaos’ create a dystopic and energetic vibe. The structured animated components are brilliantly incorporated throughout the entire show.

The Aurora acts are indefectible and audiences are awestruck by the flexibility and daring lengths these wonderful performers go through. With Sam Aldham on rope obstructed by plastic he continues with skillful agility.  The ensemble “Mop Chorography” illustrates the toxic hazards in the ice regions affecting animal food supplies.

The marvelous Adam Malone performs the complex aerial act known as the “Washington Trapeze”, balances his head on the trapeze, then launches into a series of elegant balancing acts with his hands and feet. His fabulous neon hoops act is also wonderful as he again takes center stage in a spinning whirl of movement and fluorescent color. 

The musicians (Jeremy Hopkins and Selene Messinis) provide an excellent eclectic and colliding soundscape. Costume design by Harriet Oxley is also innovative and imaginative.

Aurora is located at the Melbourne Botanical Gardens during the Spring school holidays. I highly recommend the dazzling and fabulous experience.

Flora Georgiou

Photographer: Mark Turner