Model Citizens

Circus Oz is not always overtly political when providing the opportunity to experience some spectacular performances and enjoy some raucous fun to help forget your woes. Model Citizens is a show that contains all the traditional elements of entertainment offered by this much-loved company. However, this show is unabashed about its exasperation with a tide of politics that tries to obscure exactly the kind of difference that Circus Oz has set out to celebrate over decades.

The magical and awesome nature of their physical feats and the impish humour, that often defines their acts, is as forceful as always. Model Citizens is infused with the idea that we are constantly under pressure to conform to behavioural standards that try to erase our individuality. The point is also driven home with an astonishing blend of physical theatre and performance art. 

The opening piece is an extravaganza of movement and mime artistry combined with exceptional physical skills to create an army of automaton-like characters. The effect is striking without being heavy-handed. The costumes are inventive and each act is defined by a different and novel approach to the central theme. By setting out to prove that the notion of model citizenship can be troublesome and oppressive, Circus Oz has given us an example of what its true spirit might look like.

The show includes a 15-member ensemble incorporating both local and international talent, and each act is breathtaking and astonishing. Some highlights of the show include the contortion irons by Jarred Dewey, Jake Silvestro’s cyr wheel, and Freyja Edney who makes her hoops totally captivating. Luke Ha takes an amazing death defying selfie at the peak of his house of credit cards and Mitch Jones performs a daring mid-air straitjacket escape. Alexander Weibel Weibel’s performance on the slack ropes is both exciting and surprising. 

The Weber song by Jeremy Hopkins (musician) and the Intolerance song by Freyja Edney punctuate the show with a stark reminder of daily pressures to conform to ludicrous normative standards. However, the mood is always kept cheerful and high-spirited, especially with the help of the energetic live musical accompaniment. As Tannion says, “If you think you know Circus Oz, you might be surprised.” In fact, there are several delightful and expected elements to this fantastic new production.

Patricia Di Risio

Photographer: Rob Blackburn