BY A THREAD
One Fell Swoop Circus
An exploration of tensions physical, emotional and relational.
Long spools of white rope run through pulley sheaves and wrap around bodies, connecting the artists’ movements off the ground. The actions of one acrobat affect and implicate the movements of others in a mesmerising negotiation of cause and effect.
Circus, through risk, develops high levels of trust and communication within ensembles. By a Thread was created to bring a new dimension to these relationships, and the parallels they draw to our everyday interactions. Acrobatics and choreography weave through moments of confusion, hilarity, romance, playfulness, fear and friendship.
Relationships between ensemble members mimic everyday relationships as human beings, creating an intimate experience around the dangers and joys in engaging with others. The counterpoint to the danger in circus is the joy in working as an ensemble, challenging risk, and uncovering the possibilities.
More than mere bodies in space, By a Thread is an exploration of tensions physical, emotional and relational.
Fresh from a sell-out season at Edinburgh Fringe, this will be the show’s only New Zealand stop.
Best Circus – Adelaide Fringe
Best Circus – Perth Fringe
“A breath-taking display of physical theatre” This is Radelaide
“A Masterpiece” – Screnestr
Made with support from NBM
One Fell Swoop
One Fell Swoop uncover the intrinsic metaphor within circus to create stark yet beautiful audience experiences. Based in Melbourne, the Australian company combines ambitious concepts with visceral physicality, bringing audiences the invigorating mix of joy and risk inherent to group acrobatics. One Fell Swoop creates work that combines a high level of circus skill with rich dramatic perspectives, specialising in traditional theatre shows and large-scale outdoor circus installation works.
The company brings the dynamics of acrobatic ensemble work and the relationships within it to circus performance structures. Recent performance highlights include Xintiandi Festival in Shanghai, IPAY in Philadelphia, festivals in New Zealand and France, HKPAX, Touring to Canada as well as regional touring throughout Australia.
One Fell Swoop connects a highly skilled ensemble with innovative apparatus, where classic techniques are used in expansive ways and new ideas are made possible.
Their diverse ensemble are from all over Australia. Jon left a degree in mathematics and physics to pursue circus as his career, and Charice built the strength for her aerial specialty working on her grandmother’s sheep farm in Victoria. Easa from Perth started his training as a kid whilst traveling with his dad who worked for a circus. Latonya left her hometown of Boonah in Queensland at 17 years old to train in Beijing and taught herself Mandarin along the way! Ellen travels all over the world training and teaching people how to handstand. Shona represented Australia at the Beijing Olympics in gymnastics before performing for Cirque du Soleil for 5 years. Rachel competed in elite Sports Acrobatics and also performs head spinning.
Supported by:
THEATRE ROYAL
SAT 1 NOV, 2pm & 7.30pm + SUN 2 NOV, 11am | 50 min
$39 – $49
All ages
