Approaching circus as an art form and not merely a form of entertainment, the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) is the first stop for many young aspiring circus performers to foster development.
NICA’s Last Orders! features third year graduating students showcasing their talents, set within a Parisian cabaret cafe circa the 1930’s. The students inhabit the roles of waiters, an engaging theme playing with the concept of struggling circus performers working 9 to 5 as waiters who long to emancipate themselves, pull off their aprons, and reveal their true passion.
A fresh take on a long-established template, directors James Brown and Helene Embling often exercised restraint as a distinct departure from over-the-top circus norms; the setting, context and thematic conventions were well suited to the show.
The plat-du-jour consists of all the usual suspects – Chinese pole, tightwire, hula hoops, acrobatics, clowning, aerial straps, handstands, hand balancing, juggling, single point trapeze, and tumbling – but also features contemporary and traditional Indigenous dance, enriching the experience.
Impressively, the majority of the tricks, jumps and gymnastics completed were performed without any form of safety net, some from heights almost as tall as NICA’s state-of-the-art National Circus Centre in Prahran.
Favourite moments of the showcase come frequently amongst the 16 courses, with each act bringing a new dimension to the palate.
New approaches to aerial silk were creatively achieved, through ropes, ladders, straps and swings in performances by Alex Jean, Miriam Cawley, Elke Uhd and Jillibalu Riley, with Jean’s multi-cord act underneath a spotlight a beautifully restrained feat in grace and strength.
Steven Finnegan is a force to be reckoned with, demonstrating astounding flexibility and composed elegance through aerial hoop as well as comedic prowess as the nasty waiter we all strive to avoid at eateries. The comedy components of the night were further complimented by Simone Sallé’s oversized air-suited patron act – a crowd favourite. Corrie Harry’s chair stacking routine was gasp-worthy, as was Erin Murphy powerful performance in Chinese pole.
Lighting and shadows were playfully utilised and while the music was often hit and miss and didn’t always suit the thematic tones of the show, this can be forgiven due to the mesmerising performances.
Offering great promise and an encouraging sneak-peek of what is to come; these talented young performers have planted their feet firmly in the industry.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Last Orders!
National Institute of Circus Arts
Directors: James Brown & Helene Embling
Stage Manager: Cath Carmody
Lighting Design: Eduard Ingles
Sound Design: Lee Stout
NICA National Circus Centre, Prahran
www.nica.com.au
11-20 June 2015
