This show is perfect for children and adults of a certain age! It is true physical theatre and demanding whilst being inspirational at the same time. The Flying Fruit Fly Circus, Australia’s only full-time training circus for young people, started in 1979 and it is still going with amazing results.
One artist opened the show with a thought provoking view on growing up and the need to pay attention to young people find out what really happens. Then with bright coloured costumes, fun lighting and a circus style set, the audience was ready for a fun hour of kaleidoscope trapeze artists, dancers providing strength-testing and comic acting. At times, the acts produced tension as young people performed from heights with no safety harness but all of the props were carefully managed with trainers standing by. It was still thrilling to watch as the artists with great stamina and strength and depending on the act, with elegance, performed to great applause and wonder.
One artist ascended a pole and gracefully demonstrated her flexibility and style. Two other female performers worked with high wire aerial silks and perfect timing as they whirled and twirled within the silk. There was a wonderful hula hoop performer showing her dexterity. The audience watched a strong young man holding up three people, with breath held hoping they were all balanced.
Music played a part with fun Spanish and Italian music matching the rhythm of the act. An elegant classical waltz had couples dancing as if at a Victorian ball and then two of the young men presented a wonderful act on two separate poles, running up and down them in time and then quickly falling to an inch of their noses. All with a balletic turn.
Two young women presented a kind of friendship, twirling with ropes and blending with each other in time to the music with a gentle flow. The two youngest members provided some comedy with classic circus moments including a tricycle and other fun circus style props. The finale was an ensemble piece with careful choreography, balletic grace and lots of balance and strength. The audience was enthralled.
It is a joy to watch a young ensemble supporting and working together with such professionalism, determination and style. There was obviously a range of ages with older members supporting young members when needed. It brought to mind the dream that many young people have, to run away to the circus!
To book tickets to Pay No Attention, please visit https://fruitflycircus.com.au/performance/pay-no-attention/.
