Finding The Silence

Following up after their successful production of Knee Deep, Casus Circus in conjunction with the Judith Wright Centre’s Fresh Ground initiative has developed a new work Finding the Silence.

The premise behind the work is to explore the moment that performers or athletes might refer to ‘being in the zone’; where one is so focused on the task at hand that the world falls completely silent and time seems to stand still.

In a more meditative ode to circus, this team of four acrobats have gone against the grain of the narrative driven contemporary circus, to explore and push the boundaries of the body’s capabilities, as a display of pure physical expression, without a word uttered.

So rather than a flashy display of fast paced, high energy, comedic antics, the performance focuses on the skill, strength, bravery, and trust within the tight-nit group, needed for the many balancing acts that depend on a totally committed team. What results is a series of acts imbued with a sense of wonder, grace, and a gentle comedy that’s more heart warming than laugh-out-loud funny.

The cast made up of four strong, flexible, and talented risk-takers consists of Emma Serjeant, Lachlan McAulay, Jesse Scott, and newcomer Vincent Van Berkel, who has replaced Natano Fa’anana due to injury.

Jesse Scott’s trapeze work was especially impressive, as was strong-woman Emma Serjeant in her gender role swap of being the base support for her fellow acrobat; a notable trait of Casus Circus’s work. However, the whole ensemble was brilliant in what they do and each had their own strengths.

A deep atmospheric soundtrack helped to create this emotive work, although I felt at times that more changes in pace and mood would add variety and interest for my i-generation sensibilities. I will also go against the grain to say that I would have welcomed more narrative in the piece. Having said that, I am fully aware that this is not the aim of the work, nor the philosophy of Casus Circus. And judging by the buzz in the foyer afterward, they should be celebrated for their special brand of artistic expression, for which they succeed tremendously at meeting the expectations of their following.

Casus Circus have been supported by the Judith Wright Centre’s Fresh Ground program, made possible through Arts Queensland.

Finding The Silence is playing at the Judith Wright Centre and will be running until August 30.