THE BALLOON MAN

Circus Oz to amaze the bush

 

 

Circus Oz is on the road to Arnhem Land, where it will perform at remote communities.
From:  ntnews.com.au
July 25th, 2013

FROM the razzle and dazzle of Broadway to the rugged Territory bush, Circus Oz knows no bounds when it comes to taking the show on the road.

A 40-foot semi-trailer full of clowns, acrobats, musicians and the "world's greatest magician" will roll into remote communities of Arnhem Land from Monday.

The company's latest free community show Cranked Up will be held in Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Ramingining, Gapuwiyak, Yirrkala and Gulkula at the Garma Festival.

The "rock-n-roll, animal-free circus" for adults and children will feature two hours of breathtaking agility, death-defying stunts, acrobatic performances, irreverent comedy and a red-hot live band.

Circus Oz Artistic Associate Josh Bond said the company was "all-inclusive".

"It's about taking works of scale to remote communities and giving equal access to the arts," Mr Bond said.

"For those who were in Times Square (New York) earlier on this year, they can expect to see a very similar show in Arnhem Land."

The show will be performed under the stars in an outdoor rig.

Circus Oz was born in Melbourne, in 1978.

Since 1985, Circus Oz has been doing gigs and workshops in remote communities - performing in local halls or outdoor rigs and teaching classes to local kids.

Circus Oz Artistic Director Mike Finch said: "Twenty years ago we toured Arnhem Land in a vintage DC3 aeroplane. The connection with the amazing local culture while performing outdoor circus shows in the communities had a profound impact on Circus Oz.

"We're honoured to be going back to one of Australia's most amazing regions."

Mr Bond was raised on Elcho Island and said the experience had a "profound affect" on him.

"I remember when Circus Oz came through Elcho back in the 80s, they flew in on a DC3 aircraft," he said. "In order to dream big you need to see what big looks like."
read more:
http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2013/07/25/323237_entertainment.html