What Will Have Been

Circa's What Will Have Been transcends the realm of traditional circus performances, offering a profound and emotionally resonant experience that leaves audiences spellbound. Set against the backdrop of the Playhouse Theatre at QPAC, this special hometown premiere marks the culmination of Circa's 20th anniversary celebrations, showcasing their evolution as one of the world's leading performance companies.

From the creators of acclaimed productions like Humans 2.0 and Peepshow, What Will Have Been pushes the boundaries of physicality and artistry. While audiences anticipate the death-defying stunts characteristic of Circa's performances, they are met with something far more profound; a deeply moving exploration of human emotion and connection.

The minimalist staging, characterised by stark simplicity, serves to accentuate the raw talent and skill of the performers. Clad in monochromatic costumes, the acrobats command the stage with astonishing athleticism and grace, utilising trapeze, hand-balance stands, and aerial straps to breathtaking effect. The absence of embellishments allows the audience to focus solely on the beauty of the human form and the sheer bravery of the artists.

Amidst this visual landscape, the lone violinist, dressed in a cerulean Grecian gown, provides a poignant contrast—a solitary burst of colour amidst a sea of monochrome. The haunting melodies of Bach and Vivaldi, interspersed with contemporary rock and electronica, serve as a haunting accompaniment to the performers' feats, heightening the emotional resonance of the piece.

Under the direction and sound design of Yaron Lifschitz, with the virtuosic violin performance by Rebecca Seymour of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, What Will Have Been emerges as a tour de force of physical poetry. Daniel O'Brien, Kimberley Rossi, and Zac Stephens, the ensemble members, exhibit unparalleled skill and commitment, pushing the boundaries of what the human body can achieve.

Throughout the performance, audiences are taken on an exhilarating journey of highs and lows, as they witness the interplay between strength and vulnerability, ferocity and beauty. As the performers tumble, twist, turn, and fly, they elicit a myriad of emotions from the audience—gasps of awe, laughter, sighs of empathy, and moments of pure exhilaration.

What Will Have Been stands as a testament to Circa's unwavering dedication to pushing the limits of physicality and artistry. More than mere acrobatics, it is a transcendent exploration of the human condition—the ties that bind us, the knock-backs, and accidents, finding the person who is your safe space. What Will Have Been is a sublime fusion of strength, grace, and emotion that leaves a lasting impression on all who experience it.

Kitty Goodall

Photo credit: Steady Jenny Photography