www.firstnationstelegraph.com
Circus Oz Blakflip
by Ben Starick
W
ith generous philanthropic support Circus Oz has established our Blakflip Program: Masterclasses and Internships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing artists. The Circus Oz inaugural Blakflip Program officially kicked off in 2011 when Joshua Bond joined us as our Artistic Associate/ Indigenous Programs Coordinator. Josh, originally from Tassie, grew up in Galiwinku Community on Elcho Island in North East Arnhem Land. He has been mixing it up in circus and the
performing arts for over 15 years as a performer, producer and director in Australia and overseas. Josh has established a reference group made up of local senior Indigenous artists, elders and respected cultural and community leaders. This group meets regularly and, via their networks, has supported the program and the creation of Circus Oz’s 2012 show: From the Ground Up. Working closely with Circus Oz Artistic Associate Antonella Casella, Josh developed a strong list of candidates from a deadly pool of talented Indigenous performers. Eleven performing artists, dancers, actors and
Dale Woodbridge left has a good grip on fellow Blakflip performer Joshua Bond’s hand. Image Rob Blackburn
comedians from around the country, came together for high-level circus training in master classes run by Circus Oz in January 2012. Dale Woodbridge, a Gamilaroi man from Mungindi and Ghenoa Gela, a Torres Strait Islander woman
from Rockhampton, subsequently became interns of the current Circus Oz ensemble, developing and performing in From the Ground Up which premiered in Melbourne and will tour regional Australia and US. You could be next!
Page 1