14 AUGUST – 1 SEPTEMBER
Photography: Justin Nicholas
Malthouse Theatre presents
WUNDERKAMMER By Circa Created by Yaron Lifschitz and the Circa Ensemble Directed by Yaron Lifschitz Producer Danielle Kellie Technical Director/Lighting Design Jason Organ Costume Design Libby McDonnell Tour Manager/Director Ben Knapton Ensemble Nathan Boyle, Jessica Connell, Robbie Curtis, Casey Douglas, Brittannie Portelli, Kimberley Rossi and Duncan West MERLYN THEATRE 14 AUGUST – 1 SEPTEMBER
DIRECTOR’S NOTE "A cabinet of curiosities was an encyclopedic collection in Renaissance Europe of types of objects whose categorical boundaries were yet to be defined. They were also known by various names such as Cabinet of Wonder, and in German Kunstkammer or Wunderkammer (wonder-room)." Wikipedia I love Wikipedia’s definition of Wunderkammer. It is both accessible and inspiring. It inspired our team of intrepid acrobats and creators to find what curiosities we could make, what wonders we could fill the cabinet of the stage with, what objects – in this day of instant knowledge – could still be said have undefined ‘categorical boundaries’. In a sense, to make a show that Wikipedia would struggle to define. It is circus, sure. But it borrows heavily from sideshow, vaudeville and burlesque. It features fugues and popular songs. It references abstract movement forms as well as dance theatre. In Wunderkammer nothing is what it seems – it is an unstable world of depth and surprise. Where the comic and the emotional dance a sinuous, complex dance. It is possible to discuss at length the performance languages, the use of fugal dramaturgy and quantum mechanics. It is also possible to simply love the heels, the danger, the suggestive flashes of flesh. Or to relish the extraordinary skills of the performers. Like any true Wunderkammer, this one can be approached from almost any perspective. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to perform again for Malthouse Theatre, to present Wunderkammer with our talented artists. I hope it fills your eyes with wonder. Yaron Lifschitz
Photography: Justin Nicholas
NATHAN BOYLE ENSEMBLE Nathan has been a natural performer his whole life. After terrorising his parents at a young age with handstands and cartwheels, his parents saw his passion for performing and acrobatics and enrolled him in gymnastics. This progressed to sports acrobatics where he represented and won titles for New South Wales at many national championships. After accepting his position at the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA), Nathan specialised in cloudswing, adagio, bungee trapeze and teeterboard. A memorable moment for Nathan whilst at NICA was performing at an International Circus Festival in Auch, France in 2009. Nathan joined Circa as a full-time ensemble member in 2011 and has since entertained audiences nationally and internationally. Some highlights for Nathan so far have been creating and performing in the world premiere of "S" at Brisbane Festival and travelling around Australia on the National Roadworks Tour in 2012. He is excited for all the new adventures still to come.
JESSICA CONNELL ENSEMBLE Jessica has completed a Diploma in Circus Arts at the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) in Melbourne. Formerly a member of the Flying Fruit Fly Circus specialising in hula-hoops and aerials, Jessica spent five years performing around Australia in a variety of productions. She also contributed to A4’s first production, Downpour, in 2009. In 2011 Jessica joined Circa and was part of an eight-month season of Wunderkammer at the Chamäleon Theater in Berlin. She then performed a three-month Australian regional tour of the Helpmann Awardwinning show CIRCA. Jessica says one of her highlights was world premiering "S" at the Brisbane Festival in September 2012, which was her first new creation with the company.
ROBBIE CURTIS ENSEMBLE Robbie began his circus career in the Flying Fruit Fly Circus. During his high school years he also performed with Opera Australia as a dancer, juggler and acrobat. After completing high school he moved to New Zealand to train in contemporary and classical dance at the New Zealand School of Dance in Wellington. After graduating, Robbie spent a year with Footnote Dance Company, dancing in Shaun Parker's production Happy as Larry in Australia and the UK. Robbie has worked with Legs on the Wall in Beautiful Noise for Brisbane Festival, Voyage at the Birmingham Cultural Olympiad, and the opening of the Sydney Festival. He also performed with The Australian Ballet in their 50th Anniversary season Infinity, in Gideon Obarzanek’s There’s Definitely a Prince Involved. Robbie has collaborated with and performed work by Anton, Alice Lee Holland and Circus Monoxide. He has performed with Circa in Singapore, Sweden, France, Belgium, and regional Queensland and is very excited to have joined Circa as a full-time ensemble member in 2013.
CASEY DOUGLAS ENSEMBLE Casey was born in Perth and was a hyperactive child from the start, playing all possible sports. This led him to spend ten years as a competitive gymnast. After completing his degree at the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) he received a grant for a training project in France where he completed further studies with seven handstand professors from the European Federation of Professional Circus Schools (FEDEC). On returning to Melbourne, Casey ran Hardy Street Productions, a circus training and arts centre, before becoming a founding member of ThisSideUp Acrobatics. For ThisSideUp Casey performed in France, London, Edinburgh Fringe, Watch This Space and Galway International Art Festivals.
ThisSideUp was also commissioned by the Sydney Festival to create Smoke and Mirror, which won Best New Australian Work, Best Cabaret Performer and Best New Score in the prestigious Helpmann Awards. Casey joined the Circa ensemble in 2012 and is looking forward to the new challenges Circa will bring his way, both for his mind and his body.
DANIELLE KELLIE PRODUCER Danielle Kellie graduated from QUT with a Bachelor of Arts Drama (Stage Management). Danielle has been resident Stage Manager for Queensland Ballet and Opera Queensland and has also been a freelance Stage Manager for many companies and festivals throughout Australia including Queensland Theatre Company, Melbourne Theatre Company, La Boîte Theatre company, Kooemba Jdarra, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane Festival and the Queensland Music Festival. Danielle joined Circa as Production Coordinator and then moved into the Producer role in 2012.
YARON LIFSCHITZ DIRECTOR Circa Artistic Director Yaron Lifschitz is a graduate of the University of New South Wales, University of Queensland and National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) where he was the youngest director ever accepted into its prestigious graduate director’s course. Since graduating, Yaron has directed over 60 productions including large-scale events, opera, theatre, physical theatre and circus. His work has been seen in 24 countries across five continents by over 500,000 people. Yaron was founding Artistic Director of the Australian Museum’s Theatre Unit, Head Tutor in Directing at Australian Theatre for Young People and has been a regular guest tutor in directing
at NIDA since 1995. He is currently Artistic Director and CEO of Circa. With Circa, Yaron has created works such as by the light of stars that are no longer..., CIRCA, Wunderkammer, How Like an Angel, S, and most recently Beyond and Opus, which both had world premieres in 2013. His recent works have been reviewed as being “stunning”, “exquisite” and “the standard to which all other circuses can aspire”. His passion is creating works of philosophical and poetic depth from the traditional languages of circus.
LIBBY MCDONNELL COSTUME DESIGNER Libby McDonnell is a versatile artist working as a designer, performer and a choreographer throughout Australia and abroad. Libby is a Creative Associate with Circa, and co-directed Ballet Theatre of Queensland's 2013 production Peter Pan. Libby is also a resident choreographer with Blue Roo Theatre Company, making performance with adults who experience disability. Libby specialises in costuming for contemporary physical performance. She has designed for Circa productions Opus, Immunity, How Like an Angel, Wunderkammer, Nocturne and CIRCA.
JASON ORGAN TECHNICAL DIRECTOR/LIGHTING DESIGNER Jason Organ graduated from QUT in 1988. He has worked as a technician, rigger, lighting designer and production manager. During this time he has lit all manner of productions from pantomimes and product launches to ballet, festivals, military tattoos, circus and live television – contemporary dance and circus being his favourites. Jason was a co-founder of JLX Productions, a lighting design and technical consultancy company based in Brisbane. Since January 2010 he has been working exclusively with Circa, lighting and technical directing their international tours.
BRITTANNIE PORTELLI ENSEMBLE Brittannie has over 10 years’ experience in elite sport, and so had the perfect foundations to transition into circus. After competing internationally in both aerobic gymnastics and synchronised swimming, she wanted to combine her love for physical movement with her passion for performing. She completed the three-year Bachelor Degree program at the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) in 2010, where she specialised as an aerialist. Shortly after graduating at the age of 20, she started working with Circa as a full-time ensemble member. Whilst at Circa, Brittannie has toured throughout Australia and overseas and had many highlights including an eight-month season of Wunderkammer at the Chamäleon Theater in Berlin; a three-month Australian tour of CIRCA; performing in New York City; and being a part of the world premiere of "S" in the 2012 Brisbane Festival.
KIMBERLEY ROSSI ENSEMBLE Kimberley grew up competing in athletics and playing representative AFL. After seeing one of Circa’s shows, Kimberley joined their youth performance troupe Circa Zoo. She spent two years training and performing, and then was given the opportunity to be the very first member of fast track, a program designed for young and aspiring performers within Circa. In 2011 Kimberley left Circa Zoo and fast track and became a full-time ensemble member. Since then Kimberley has toured numerous shows in various countries. One of her highlights was performing Wunderkammer at the Sydney Opera House.
DUNCAN WEST ENSEMBLE Duncan came to circus, and subsequently Circa, by a more roundabout route than most. Having spent the last seven years working as a full-time fire fighter, and having watched his little brother perform with Circa for many years, Duncan went on to train and perform around Sydney. He joined Circa in 2013, and looks forward to all the adventures, excitement and challenges that the year will bring while performing with people he has only ever watched with the greatest respect and awe.
Circa acknowledges the assistance of the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Photography: Justin Nicholas
MUSE DONOR PROGRAM Thank you, Malthouse Muses, for supporting our artistic vision and helping us to create a unique and dynamic environment for artists and audiences. URANIA—Muse of The Stars—$25,000+ Annamila Pty Ltd, The Dara Foundation, The Danielle and Daniel Besen Foundation, Maureen & Tony Wheeler CLIO—Muse of History—$10,000+ Betty Amsden OAM, John & Lorraine Bates, Michele Levine, Craig Reeves, The Pratt Foundation, Anonymous (1) THALIA—Muse of Comedy—$5,000+ Frankie Airey & Stephen Solly, Eva Besen AO & Marc Besen AO, Debbie Dadon, Roger Donazzan & Margaret Jackson AC, Neilma Gantner, Colin Golvan SC, Richard Leonard & Gerlinde Scholz, Mary Ruth & Peter McLennan, Judith Maitland-Parr, Elisabeth & John Schiller, Carol & Alan Schwartz AM, Anonymous (2) MELPOMENE—Muse of Tragedy—$2,500+ Chryssa Anagnostou & Jim Tsaltas, Rosemary Forbes & Ian Hocking, Val Johnstone, Janine Tai, Jon Webster, Tom Wright EUTERPE—Muse of Music—$1,000+ Ingrid Ashford, John & Sally Bourne, Beth Brown & Tom Bruce AM, Sally Browne, Diana Burleigh, Ingrid & Per Carlsen, Marilyn and Andrew Cookes, Sieglind D’Arcy, Georgina Damm, Dominic & Natalie Dirupo, Rev Fr Michael Elligate, William J. Forrest AM, John & Helen Gibbins, D.L & G.S Gjergja, Marco Gjergja, Michael Kingston, Sue Kirkham, Pamela McLure, Naomi Milgrom AO, Jenny Schwarz, Neil & Barbara Smart, Gina & Paul Stuart, Leonard Vary & Matt Collins, Jason Waple, Jenny Werbeloff, Anonymous (3) TERPSICHORE—Muse of Dance—$500+ Min Li Chong, Mark & Jo Davey, Taleen Gaidzkar, Charles Gillies & Penelope Allen, Carolyn Floyd, Brian Goddard, Scott Herron, Leonie Hollingworth, Brad Hooper, Susan Humphries, Irine Irvine, Irene Kearsey, Ann Kemeny & Graham Johnson, K & J Lindsay, Sir Gustav AC CBE & Lady Nossal, Tony Oliver, Robert Peters, Right Lane Consulting, Tim & Lynne Sherwood, Maria Sola & Malcolm Douglas, Fiona Sweet & Paul Newcombe, Katherine Sampson, John Thomas, Richard P. Watson, Phil & Heather Wilson, Henry Winters, Angelika & Pete Zangmeister, Anonymous (2) ERATO—Muse of Love—$250+ Simon Abrahams, Stephen & Diane Alley, Graham & Anita Anderson, Sandra Beanham, John & Alexandra Busselmaier, Robyn Campbell, John Carruthers, Ros Casey, Tim & Rachel Cecil, Diane Clark, Chris Clough, Patricia Coutts, Mary Crean AM, Tania de Jong AM, Orla & Rachel, Paula Hansky OAM & Jack Hansky AM, Peggy Hayton, Roberta Holmes, Vas Katos, Patricia Keith, Ruth Krawat, Liquorice Studio, William Lye, Brad Martin, Gael & Ian McRae, John Millard, Dr Kersti Nogeste, Linda Notley, Wendy Poulton, John & Margot Rogers, Rae Rothfield, Ernie Schwartz, Morry & Anna Schwartz, Jill Sewell, Lisl Singer, Thea & Hayden Snow, Janice Taylor, Ann Tonks, Rosemary Walls, Jan Watson, Joanne Whyte, Dr Roger Woock & Fiona Clyne, Barbara Yuncken, Anonymous (7) CATALYST SYNDICATE Warwick & Lida Bray, John Carruthers & Rosie Purcell, Charles Gillies & Penelope Allen, Nick Glenning & Jenny Proimos, Sarah Morgan, Corrie Perkins & Peter Loder, Maria Prendergast OAM, Bob Sessions & Christina Fitzgerald, Simon Westcott & Dr Ben Keith You too can make a difference on our stages and behind the scenes. Please call 9685 5162 or visit our website and inspire us with your donation.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Simon Westcott (Chair), John Daley (Deputy Chair), Frankie Airey, Michele Levine, Ian McRae, Sarah Morgan, Thea Snow, Sigrid Thornton, Kerri Turner, Leonard Vary Artistic Director Marion Potts Executive Producer Jo Porter Associate Artist (Design) Paul Jackson Associate Artist (Direction) Matthew Lutton Associate Artist (Writing) Van Badham Artist in Residence Lara Thoms Company Manager Lucy Birkinshaw Associate Producer Josh Wright Administrator Narda Shanley Finance Manager Mario Agostinoni Finance Administrator Liz White Finance Assistant Connie Stella Marketing & Communications Manager Lisa Scicluna Media Manager Maria O’Dwyer Digital Strategy & Marketing Coordinator Chloe Gordon Communications Coordinator Jennifer Smith Graphic Designer Rick Milovanovic Development Manager Jaclyn Birtchnell Philanthropy Manager Nicole Punte Development Assistant Hiroki Kobayashi Ticketing Manager Emma Howard Ticketing Assistant Lauren White Youth & Education Program Clare Watson Executive Assistant Emily Fiori Audience Development Consultant Jason Tamiru Building Manager Peter Mandersloot Bar Manager Cherry Rivers Front of House Managers Tristan Watson & Sean Ladhams
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Production Manager David Miller Technical Manager Baird McKenna Operations Manager Dexter Varley Head Electrician Stewart Birkinshaw Campbell Head Mechanist Andy Moore Theatre Technician Nathaneal Bristow Head of Wardrobe Amanda Carr Wardrobe Assistant Chloe Greaves Workshop Supervisor David Craig Steel Fabricator Goffredo Mameli Workshop Staff Mitch O'Sullivan Scenic Artist Patrick Jones Props Master Ross Murray (lifetime recognition) FRONT OF HOUSE/BAR STAFF Leeor Adar, Matt Adair, Jacqui Brown, Ben Carollo, Mimi Catterns, Kathryn Delaney, Tom Dent, Alice Dixon, Graham Downey, Tanja George, Christian Grant, Kate Gregory, Kathryn Joy, Bridie McCarthy, Ian Michael, Daniel Newell, Ruby Nolan, Syrie Payne, Kliment Poposki, Claire Richardson, Sanne Rodenstein, Phoebe Taylor, Jade Thomson, Lee Threadgold BOX OFFICE STAFF Abbey Barnes, Paul Buckley, Mark Byrne, Kathryn Delaney, Kate Gregory, Suzie Hardgrave, Michelle Hines, Ian Michael, Fiona Wiseman, Liz White Malthouse Theatre would like to acknowledge the people of the Kulin nation on whose land this work is being presented. Malthouse Theatre would also like to acknowledge the ongoing support of its volunteers.
OUR PARTNERS GOVERNMENT PARTNERS Malthouse Theatre is supported by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body
EDUCATION PARTNER
MEDIA PARTNER
PRODUCTION PARTNER
CORPORATE PARTNERS
CORPORATE ASSOCIATES
COMPANY SUPPORTERS
TRUSTS AND FOUNDATIONS Australian Communities Foundation Slome-Topol Family Charitable Trust
The Robert Salzer Foundation Vera Moore Foundation
PROGRAM PARTNERS THE SUITCASE SERIES
REGIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
ARTIST PROGRAM
FEMALE DIRECTOR IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM
REGIONAL PERFORMANCE PROJECTS
NEW AUSTRALIAN COMMISSION & PRODUCTION
The Danielle & Daniel Besen Foundation DIRECTORS EXCHANGE PROJECT COMPANY IN RESIDENCE (Men of Steel) Maureen and Tony Wheeler INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM Jeanne Pratt AC, Rae Rothfield, Sue Nattrass AO, Judith Maitland-Parr THE KENN BRODZIAK ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Tom Kantor Fund INDIGENOUS THEATRE PROGRAM (The Shadow King)
Victoria University is proud to be Malthouse Theatre’s official Education Partner. We share a vision and commitment to excellence, opportunity, community and individual empowerment. Together we help future teachers make the arts accessible and engaging for students, provide theatre work placements for our students, and offer individuals from diverse backgrounds opportunities to experience live theatre. our collaboration in research and contemporary creative arts practice means that Victoria University graduates are empowered to reach their goals by acquiring exceptional skills, knowledge and experiences. Find out how you can be part of this creative partnership through further study or engagement with us. Visit our website or call 1300 VIC UNI.
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A SHARED CREATIVE VISION
Photography: Sean Young