Everything we do is fuelled by our core values: quality, audacity, humanity.
We are at the forefront of the new wave of contemporary Australian circus, redefining the art form by showcasing how extreme physicality can forge powerful and emotive experiences. We are relentless in the way we push boundaries, blending movement, dance, theatre and circus.
Ten bodies appear in a flash of light. They move in harmony for a fleeting moment and then descend into a sinuous trance. Towers grow and decay, bodies leap and are caught, as physical limits are pushed to their extreme. Can we ever find a perfect balance or is adapting to constant change the only way forward?This next chapter of Circa’s internationally acclaimed Humans is a tightly woven choreography of bodies, pulsing with music by composer Ori Lichtikand revealed in Paul Jackson’s dramatic lighting. Created by circus visionary Yaron Lifschitz, Humans 2.0 is intimate, primal and deeply engaged with the challenge of being human.
(10 acrobats, 70 minutes)
Feathers will fly in Circa’s exuberant take on Swan Lake. The world’s most romantic ballet is re-imagined as a circus spectacular, full of Circa’s signature physicality and shot through with cheeky humour and a thoroughly contemporary energy. Be swept away by this tale of swans and hapless princes sparkling with quirky touches like the sequinned flipper-wearing duck army and a burlesque black swan. There are sumptuous aerials, jaw-dropping acrobatics and of course feathers! Touching, funny and utterly entertaining, Duck Pond is a tale of identity and finding your true self.
(10 acrobats, 70 minutes)
For the North American tour of The Art of Fugue in the 26-27 season, Circa’s eight acrobats will be joined by 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Silver Medalist Vitaly Starikov. By collaborating with Circa Artistic Director Yaron Lifschitz and the astonishing performers of Circa, Starikov continues to advance the tradition of virtuosic risk-taking that distinguishes The Cliburn as “the instrument’s Olympics” (The Guardian, 2025).
The Art of Fugue provides a perfect vehicle to explore the contrapuntal genius of JS Bach through the intricate choreography of Circa and the “raw, deeply felt, and powerful” (La Scena) musical presence of Vitaly Starikov.
The piece has been designed for compelling presentation in both concert hall or proscenium theater configuration.
Circa’s “Art of Fugue” was commissioned by the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and will receive it’s world premiere at the Queensland Performing Arts Center. Additional commissioning support was provided by University of Georgia Performing Arts Center and Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech. Vitaly Starikov appears with the support of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and is subject to availability.
(8 acrobats + solo piano or local ensemble, 70 minutes)
Mozart Amadeus Wolfgang, part time genius, full-time rat-bag, can’t finish his lullaby. The final notes of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star have slipped away, so he builds a rocket and blasts into space to find them, with his best friend – a faithful circus bear – in tow. On their adventure they tumble through galaxies where asteroids lurk and space dinosaurs roar. But there’s a catch! A galactic glitch threatens to strand them light-years from home. To chart a course back to Earth, Wolfgang learns that sometimes, to find your melody, you need a little stardust…and your best friend by your side.Wolfgang in the Stars is a dazzling delight for all ages -bursting with truly gravity-defying acrobatics, live video projections, puppetry, music and a heartwarming message of connection. Because imagination travels faster than light and no good story ever obeyed the laws of physics. Strap in -adventure awaits!
(4 acrobats, 45 minutes)
Wolf. A gasp-inducing acrobatic thrill ride.Clad in designer Libby McDonnell’s form-hugging costumes and set to DJ Ori Lichtik’s relentless primal rhythms, the cast of ten extraordinary Circa artists grasp, tear, climb, leap and balance with fierce abandon.For Director Yaron Lifschitz, the wolf is a symbol of our untameable selves: liberating, anarchic and savage.In two contrasting acts, the wolves evolve from disruptive forces of chaos into a ferocious pack whose intense choreographies overflow with raw energy and astounding physicality.Wolf is circus with fangs. Join the pack.
(4 acrobats, 45 minutes)
Drawing their audiences deep into a world of physical daring, Circa is one of the world’s leading performance companies. From their base in Brisbane, Australia, Circa continues to blur lines, push boundaries, and pioneer extreme physicality.
Under the direction of circus visionary Yaron Lifschitz, Circa features an ensemble of exceptional, multi-skilled circus artists. A regular fixture at leading festivals, Circa has been seen in New York, London, Berlin and Montreal with seasons at Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Barbican Centre, Les Nuits de Fourvière, Chamäleon Theatre as well as major Australian Festivals.
