Fresh beginnings meets smouldering tradition in Circa Cairns performance debut

A powerful new work combining circus theatre with a culturally injected narrative of First Peoples’ connection to tradition will make its world premiere next week.

A POWERFUL new work combining circus theatre with a culturally injected narrative of First Peoples’ connection to tradition, will make its world premiere next week.

From Old Things, a creation of Circa Cairns, will make its debut on Wednesday, November 2, at the Bulmba-ja Arts Centre in Cairns.

Since forming in Queensland’s tropical city (Gimuy Country) earlier this year the Circa Cairns ensemble has been under the creative direction of Wakka Wakka man Harley Mann.

According to Mr Mann, From Old Things stages a dramatic encounter between Australia’s newest circus company and the world’s oldest living culture.

Ally Humphris and Creative Director Harley Mann show off a small preview of the acrobatic skills to be seen in From Old Things: Image Justin Ma

“In From Old Things we marry culture with physicality to explore a range of dynamics from rebellion to respect. With a striking set that features a burnt tree at its heart, the powerful symbol of fire ignites a series of touching acrobatic encounters to revisit the past while pondering the future,” Mr Mann said.

Featuring members of the Circa Cairns ensemble, From Old Things is performed across three acts, while sound design by Yalanji man, Luke Briscoe rounds out an impeccable team delivering high production values.

Mr Mann explained how the creation will explore cultural tradition in an exciting new way.

“From Old Things is, was, and will continue to be challenging. It forces us to look at ourselves as we stripped away layers of context, identity, and projected values to unearth the core of traditions and being traditional,” he said.

“I am so proud of this work which stares directly into the heart of our Peoples ways while venturing boldly and bravely into a new and contemporary world.”

The performance will run over 4 days from Wednesday 1st of November to Saturday 5th of November.

Tickets are $30 and available at circacircus.pub/fromoldthings.

Originally published as Fresh beginnings meets smouldering tradition in Circa Cairns performance debut