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Meet the Artist: Circa
Origin
Formed in 2004, Circa is an award-winning ensemble of circus performers from Australia. Lead by Artistic Director Yaron Lifschitz, this group of artists pushes the boundaries of circus, music, and dance, to bring together their vision of contemporary circus.
The Debussy String Quartet is based in France and is known for both its high quality chamber music and exciting partnerships.
The show
In this entirely unique collaboration, the quartet plays chamber music by Soviet composer Dmitri Shostakovich while Circa presents a contemporary circus performance that explores themes of history, individuality, and the interplay between motion and music. The focal piece of music in Opus is Shostakovich’s Eighth String Quartet which evokes feelings of torment and loss, and is widely believed to be a response to the country’s political landscape and the composer’s deteriorating health.
Accolades
Circa’s performances have spanned 39 countries, 6 continents. They have premiered over 30 shows and been recognized by the Helpmann Awards for live performance and the Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards.
The latest
Circa continues to tour the world with their large repertory of stunning shows. Most recently, they premiered Humans in Sydney, Australia – another emotionally and thematically complex piece that explores the limits of the human body as a reflection on our lives and the loads we carry. Circa also runs a training centre with classes in acrobatics for children and adults.
Little known fact…
Opus was choreographed in person with the Debussy Quartet, and with the use of recordings made by the quartet. Upon coming together to run the show, Circa would first listen and do improvisations to the live music, to feel connected to the musicians and ensure movement and music are in tune with each other.
"Opus is cut-glass, caviar circus. It's black tie and ballgown circus."
The Telegraph
"We are clearly in the presence of greatness."
Lyon Magazine
Circa’s Opus is a show like nothing you have ever seen. Don’t miss it at the Chan Centre on Saturday April 28th, 2018 at 8pm.