Chasing Smoke

Casus Circus is lifting the carpet under which white Australia’s swept the historically disgraceful treatment of first nation peoples. The country’s first and only indigenous contemporary circus ensemble is doing so in a mixed media performance that combines contemporary and indigenous dance, juggling, storytelling, acrobatics, sketch comedy, art, music and a gigantic lamington.

The performance flows from the unnerving to hilarious; moving from touching to absurd with the grace and ease one expects from a circus troupe. The show, while lacking a linear narrative, explores themes of identity and self, family and history, culture and oppression. It’s thought-provoking from the moment a fifties housewife in a fit-and-flare frock greets you at the door, to the closing act, where performers Lara Croydon, Ally Humphries, Harley Mann, Jack Shepherd, Dylan Singh and Pearl Tia Thompson fearlessly celebrate their diversity and ancestry.

While some of the spoken moments lack the polish you see in more experienced, older artists, the physical expertise is first rate. The young entertainers all show great skill and strength during the dance and acrobatic numbers. You can sense their passion and enthusiasm for the art-form and the topics in the show.

The artists’ enthusiasm is infectious, enticing the audience to clap along to the high tempo dance numbers. There’s wholehearted applause and appreciation for the performers at every appropriate moment throughout the show. The troupe also has enough command to inspire the crowd – half filled with a school group, usually notorious for in-theatre chatter – to remain pin-drop quiet and attentive during the serious sections.

Some of the most moving stories are those performed by solo individuals. Their own voiceovers tell of their connection to country and their indigenous heritage as they dance the emotions and subtext. These sections are deeply personal, meaningful and moving.

While there is a great reverence and respect for all races during the show, there’s also a lot of tongue-in-cheek, satirical and slapstick comedy. The moments of dark humour in particular have the greatest impact.

The musical soundtrack is excellent at keeping the pace flowing and supporting the narrative and emotions. Lighting is very effective at setting the mood. The costumes add a lot of humour to the sketches.

The sketches that deal with the language and attitudes that were considered normal only one generation ago are very enlightening for many non-indigenous audience members. You can sense the discomfort and sorrow in the audience as the horrible treatment of indigenous people is put under a spotlight. Just as palpable, you can feel the crowd’s support and happiness during the moments where performers experience success, joy and pride.

Chasing Smoke is didactic, moving and most importantly, entertaining. It’s 40,000 years of history distilled through the lives, experiences and eyes of the talented young cast.

Kiesten McCauley