Circus stars get all steamed up
Circus Oz performers train for their upcoming show, Steam Powered. Picture: Manuela Cifra Source: Herald Sun Simon Plant From: Herald Sun June 20, 2011
THEY come from a wind-up world, a lost age of pistons and petticoats, of wingnuts and waistcoats. But the Steampunk stars of the latest Circus Oz show belong to the here and now. So when you sign up for Steam Powered, under the big top at Birrarung Marr, get ready for 21st century acrobatic action.
Mason West promises amazing balancing tricks as a Victorian-era aviator while Luke Taylor dons goggles and a pith helmet for his juggling escapades.
"The look we've gone for is probably more punk than steam," Circus Oz costume maker Laurel Frank says. "But audiences will certainly get the idea."
Steampunk is a sub-culture inspired by 19th century visions of the future. Beginning to thrive in Melbourne, it embraces art, music, literature, film and fashion and will get wider exposure thanks to Circus Oz.
Getting Steam Powered on stage, however, has not been easy. Frank explains: "It's a challenge translating the heavy ornamentation you see in Steampunk into useable circus costumes where people are turning upside down and doing somersaults."
Creative solutions include gloves that grip, steady toppers and lightweight boots masked by gaiters. Frank has also given the illusion of fine fabrics in blouses and bustles when the real things are rough and hard-wearing.
STEAM POWEREDCircus OzThe Big Top, Birrarung Marr, citY Opens Wednesday, until July 17.
Mason West promises amazing balancing tricks as a Victorian-era aviator while Luke Taylor dons goggles and a pith helmet for his juggling escapades.
"The look we've gone for is probably more punk than steam," Circus Oz costume maker Laurel Frank says. "But audiences will certainly get the idea."
Steampunk is a sub-culture inspired by 19th century visions of the future. Beginning to thrive in Melbourne, it embraces art, music, literature, film and fashion and will get wider exposure thanks to Circus Oz.
Getting Steam Powered on stage, however, has not been easy. Frank explains: "It's a challenge translating the heavy ornamentation you see in Steampunk into useable circus costumes where people are turning upside down and doing somersaults."
Creative solutions include gloves that grip, steady toppers and lightweight boots masked by gaiters. Frank has also given the illusion of fine fabrics in blouses and bustles when the real things are rough and hard-wearing.
STEAM POWEREDCircus OzThe Big Top, Birrarung Marr, citY Opens Wednesday, until July 17.
No comments:
Post a Comment