Left – Spenser Inwood. Cover – Ben Lewis and Sharon Gruenert. Photos – Scott HoneThrilling and enthralling, the latest show from Circus Oz, But Wait… There’s More, is proof positive that this troupe is a national treasure.
For 37 years, Circus Oz has been plying their trade, honing their craft, and cultivating their art and this show’s mix of traditional circus acts with a contemporary mindset and theme combine to create a spectacle that is as fearlessly physical as it is philosophical.
The title of the show derives from a cheesy infomercial made famous an era ago when Demtel created a mental frenzy of consumerism with a pyramid plot that transported you to the apex acquisition.
It begins with a series of cardboard boxes being trolleyed into the ring, out of which spring performers, percussionist first, with a “wait… there’s more” cascade of acrobats, jugglers, aerialists, hoopers, unicyclists and clowns. There’s no time to wait, no need, there’s always more to smack the gob and drop the jaw.
Its serious stuff about the stuff we aspire to acquire, but it’s done so seriously funny, beguiling, and bewitchingly cheekily, that the social commentary is cheery rather than dreary, a playful prompt rather than a sharp pricking.
Clowns clad in barcode baggies is a sight to behold and their acrobatic antics have no discernible use by date. The literal chopping up of one of their own is a two edged blade – a terrific visual cutting remark.
There’s also a delightful piece that parodies the bygone days of circus animal acts with human animals furred up as lions which culminates in a singalong that the children can participate in.
This sensational ensemble is elegant and knockabout, nimble, supple, graceful, lithe, and larrikin - the embodiment and personification of circus performance. The athletic meets the aesthetic. Their skill is exemplary but apart from the gleeful entertainment quotient there’s a palpable feeling of trust, co-operation, community and camaraderie – certainly something for us all to aspire to acquire.
Way better than a set of steak knives – and sharper too! – But Wait… There’s More is a big top Big Top entertainment, the perfect family holiday treat. Don’t wait, they’re at Moore Park, in the show ring of the Entertainment Quarter, but only till January 24!
But Wait…There’s More
Circus Oz
Venue: Circus Oz Big Top | The Showring, The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
Dates: 30 December 2015 – 24 January 2016
Tickets: $22 – $95
Bookings: ticketmaster.com.au | 136 100
