Son

Son is a performance piece by Circa Cairns, making its world premiere in Brisbane, the first show from Circa’s creative spinoff group to do so. As with Circa’s productions, the piece is multi-media, combining dance, physical circus skills and acrobatics, lighting and music – in this case the sublimely blissful work of music group, Kardajala Kirridarra. It’s a brilliant mix of creative elements, inspired by the real story of Artistic Director for Circa Cairns, Harley Mann, and his struggle to find his identity without a father, trying to connect to his own unique mix of First Nations and Queer culture. Harley also performs, showcasing his background in circus performance. Joining him on stage are a resolute trio of superb dancers – David Kila Biondi-Odo, Gusta Mara and Edan Porter, all graduates of the NAISDA Dance College, with Gusta and Edan having worked with Bangarra Dance Theatre, and all growing their performance range with acrobatics and circus skills.

What I enjoyed about the performance was the range of movement – from quite aggressive and robust moves, to more gentle and flowing calm – and the fact that each of these male dancers are unique. There’s nothing ‘cookie cutter’ about this troupe. Which makes the opening image ironically ideal – Harley produces a delicate paper-doll chain which then replicates as giant mirrored images on the stage. These ‘glass men’ are omnipresent as the male dancers take their journeys of self-discovery, beginning by being weighted down by expectations of masculinity through costume – seemingly hundreds of neckties: that slim, yet threatening piece of fabric.

Harley co-directs with Alexander Berlage (Redline Productions), whose recent award-winning work includes the musical versions of American Psycho and Cry-Baby. His lighting design adds an edge to the set (co-designed by Isabel Hudson, who also does costumes), its simple strip light transforming the stage into a menacing school sports locker room, gym, disco, and hardcore gay club. The sound design – crunchy electronic vibes and pulsating beats – is a perfect accompaniment. Music production is also by Kardajala Kirridarra, who add a lilting and calm grounding too as the constant presence of women, supporting the male identities throughout their search. Represented in Indigenous spoken and sung language, this three-piece vocal ensemble add a very real natural sense. This warmth seems sprung from Harley’s openness and honesty, which are stamped all over Son. Harley introduces the show and explains that it is inspired by his own story. Right at the end, he breaks the fourth wall to speak to the audience directly again – to explain an acrobatic rope piece he is just about to perform and ask us: After his identity struggles, has he changed, or is he still the same person? It’s a visual that, like Harley, leaves us hanging as we are left to decide.

Circa Cairns is a First Nations-led, regionally-based contemporary circus ensemble.

Find out more: www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2023/circa-cairns-son

Beth Keehn

Photographer: David Kelly