Kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscope is a unique, lyrical circus experience that challenges the audience to change the way they see the world around them.

The performance centres on 13-year-old Ethan Hugh, who was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome when he was four. Ethan describes his world as an influx of information coming at him, a bit like having Wi-Fi with an intermittent signal, yet amongst the chaos and confusion, he sees the world as a kaleidoscope of changing colours, finding beauty in the smallest things.

People with Asperger’s can sometimes think in pictures and categorise the world by sensory qualities – shapes, sights, sounds, textures, smells, tastes. Kaleidoscope is visually impressive, appealing to the senses and incorporating acrobatics, stunts, aerial work, percussion music, movement, colour and art.

From the minute the show opens, you are drawn into the hustle and bustle as the performers lie flat on the floor, continuously wriggling, crawling and shifting into new positions, never staying still for more than a moment. A bird’s eye camera projects them onto the stage’s backdrop as they climb over each other to form different human towers and pyramids, precariously balancing on each other and perhaps reflecting the balancing act that is life.

As the performers change from stark white, to black to colourful costumes, the show takes you through a range of emotions from sadness, calm, beauty and joy. Audiences will be inspired by Ethan’s story, awed by the skill, strength and balance of the performers, entertained by a giant feather pillow fight, amazed by the trust the performers have in each other and touched by their love and respect for Ethan.

I was enthralled by one of the more artistic pieces where one of the performers was covered in body paint before using a white aerial silk as a canvas, creating a colourful artwork as she twisted, tumbled and slid.

Kaleidoscope is a work that allows Ethan to physically express himself through something he loves – the circus. It allows him to educate others, shining a light on what it means to live with Asperger Syndrome and encouraging viewers to celebrate and accept difference and uniqueness.

Shannon O'Connell

Photographer: Jacquie Manning