The Drill

The Women’s Circus presents their triennial large-scale production as part of this year’s second Due West Festival in Footscray. It is a nostalgic journey conducted in an original Drill Hall, once used as a military training venue for local young male volunteers before they headed off to battle in World War One.

The Drill Hall is also the residence of Women’s Circus, a committed feminist organization since 1991, who have consistently provided women the opportunity to develop self-confidence and skills using creative circus training methods.

The scene is set for us in the world of 1914. Audiences are handed a colored lanyard upon entrance and ushered into the big marquee (Dance Hall) for a formal civil address, before being marshaled into queued lines and directed into various sections of events that include art installation, performance and immersive historical recreations.

The heart of the show is a beautiful allegorical intertwining of art, circus performance and layered soundscape - two knitting needles and balls of red ribbon are finely orchestrated between six performers who sail the seas. There is rope, red ribbon and trapeze, signifying bloodshed and hardship - a moving tribute to our soldiers who lost their lives in the Great War.

The maze of small performances awaits groups of audience members who move in and out of a barrack-like ambience; or enter closed doors to immerse oneself into the charming surrounds of a tea room; that in turn leads you past the hospital ward, where audiences are required to act as wounded soldiers; then enter the surreal tiny package room where one is asked to wrap ANZAC biscuits that are to be sent to Cairo in time for Christmas.

The Drillis a charming rendition of people’s lives during the war. It is a recommended experience that is also captivating and thought provoking for everyone, young and old.

Flora Georgiou

Photographer: Marie Watt