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Produced and published by the School of Historical & Philosophical Studies, The University of Melbourne
Published July 2008
Published July 2008
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Regarded as Australia's foremost contemporary circus, Circus Oz performed its premier season in the Flagstaff Gardens at the Moomba Festival in 1978. The original line-up included performers from the Pram Factory and artists from the Adelaide group New Circus. Music was provided by the Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band. In 1980 they consolidated their work with a six-month season at the Last Laugh Theatre Restaurant, before undertaking their first international tour. In the Commonwealth Government's Nugent report on the arts, released in November 1999, Circus Oz was identified as one of only three Australian companies of global significance, acknowledging its status as an international and national icon. Its unique performances combine high-level circus skills, technical innovation, eclectic original live music and high-energy larrikin comedy. The creative process places a major emphasis on collaboration and multi-skilling, and the shows deal with issues of social awareness and gender equality. From its home base in Port Melbourne, it presents an annual season in Melbourne, undertakes extensive national and international touring and runs a public access workshop program.