Acrobats are bringing Igor Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring to life in Wollongong this week, in the first-ever circus setting for the renowned composition.
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On Thursday night, circus performance company Circa premieres Sacre, a production co-commissioned by the Merrigong Theatre Company and Scène Nationale de Châlons-en-Champagne in France.
The show brings together acrobatics with The Rite of Spring and new music from French composer Philippe Bachman.
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"In Sacre we have acrobats flinging themselves individually and en masse, crashing together at the limits of their physicality," director Yaron Lifschitz said.
"It is an experience of unparalleled intensity and ferocity, yet it remains beautiful and lyrical."
Performer Kimberley O'Brien described Sacre as "one of the darkest" shows she had worked on with Circa, in terms of the performance and aesthetics.
Merrigong artistic director and chief executive officer, Simon Hinton, said the company often invested in commissioning works "to ensure that Wollongong audiences get to see the very best performance work that is made in this country."
"We have a great history with the mighty Circa, and local audiences have long loved their boundary-pushing contemporary circus," Mr Hinton said.
"Audiences will be amazed at the explosive physicality that Circa are renowned for."
Circa was scheduled to bring the production to Wollongong last year, but the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing border restrictions forced its postponement.
Ms O'Brien said she was glad Circa could finally make it down and put on the performance, as it was disappointing when it was called off last year.
Fellow acrobat Marty Evans added they were "really grateful" for Merrigong fighting to ensure the show eventually went ahead.
But the delay did mean there was more time to work on the show - Mr Evans said it was quite challenging acrobatically, so that extra time allowed the troupe to further develop their performance.
Sacre premieres on Thursday, January 28 at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, with the last show to be held on Saturday, January 30.
Tickets to Sacre and more information are available online.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
