Reviews

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.

Circus Oz’s Sidesault at this year’s Melba Festival has featured local and international companies that present experimental works that challenge and push the boundaries of contemporary circus. Three of the works are Jugg Life – Jugg Life Productions, Hell Is Other People by Jess Love (Love is the Drug) and Feed The Horse – Radish by Night - performed by carney infused talented individuals!

The insane pace of intrigue in Canberra of late is a mixed blessing for satirists. While, the material is bursting out of Parliament House on a daily basis, the current news cycle is so crazy that the writers of a show like The Wharf Revue need to sprint to keep up. This was the first show without composer Phil Scott, whose music was so much a part of the revue’s successful formula. And that was even before Drew Forsythe (both a major performer and half of the writing team) fell ill and had to withdraw from performing for six weeks.

The Campaign exudes warmth, humour and optimism. All bitterness is eschewed and the culmination, celebratory.

This is an important play. Many young people today will not have been aware of events of the late 80’s and 90’s which lead to the repeal of legislation discriminatory to the LGBTIQ community and yet these same young people enjoy a world that is more tolerant and inclusive as a result.