Upon entering the Gate 7 Warehouse at the Melbourne showgrounds, I feel as though I am entering a mammoth, makeshift circus tent, in a remote area, as the buildings surrounding this enclosed marquee are all quiet.
But this warehouse is where all the action is.
Through a casual entrance, I come upon a semi-circle seated area, with chairs on the ground and behind it. Up a sequence of stairs, one can sit higher at a benched area to gain a wider scope of the circus action that will soon be displayed onstage.
The show? The Australian premiere of The Fijian Flying Circus, by internationally renowned Fijian contemporary dance troupe ‘VOU Dance Fiji’. Presented by Fijian Airways, this high-octane circus-infused show celebrates the joyous, cultural storytelling of traditional Fijian heritage, but with a modern edge.
There are drum-filled African beats. Tumbling and twirling through the air. Masterful ring tosses and jugglers giving things a spin. Hair-hanging trapeze artistry. Tightrope walking. Smiles for miles lighting up the stage. And on top of that? A cute Pacific-themed storyline, featuring mischievous mythical creatures, playful tribesmen, and an ongoing to-and-fro tryst between friends Loma and Tui – about a pair of magical shoes.
A clever, simple storyline that weaves in well with the mythical story Loma embarks and stumbles upon. A descent into a mystical book – to a wondrous world filled with acrobatic forest spirits. Beautiful island singing. Stilted female giants. Dancing fabled creatures. All springing forth from a harmonious, rhythmic world of Fiji’s Pacific flora and fauna.
And the cast are all in on the joy and laughter too.
There are funny whistling antics to get the audience laughing and clapping along. There are high-energy drummers wishing to continue their energetic stomping, much to the dismay of female cast members doubling over with mock-exhaustion. There is even a few bars of Neil Diamond’s iconic song, ’Sweet Caroline’ thrown in at the end of the show for good measure – to the delight of the audience to sing and clap along to.
In all, this show was bold, daring, and willing to go beyond its limits. In particular, the Emcee of the show, was so full of passion for his and his company’s artistry. As a troupe, they are deeply dedicated to connecting with audiences and telling their unique brand of storytelling in a modern, heart-stopping way.
The Fijian Flying Circus? Is simply a spectacle of joy. Driving home the idea that the human emotions of happiness, silliness and clowning around can indeed transcend language, culture and even heritage.
That as long we can connect as humans in curiosity, in hope and in wonder; then is that not simply enough for our spirits to thrive in this ever changing world?
I think so.
With high-flying aerial stunts, modern dance lifts, and bouncy beats of twerking thrown in, Fijian Flying Circus is literally an otherworldly experience, and is worth the trip to the Showgrounds to enjoy this lucky ride.
To book tickets to Fijian Flying Circus, please visit https://feverup.com/m/673760?thm=16238&thm_=.
