“I hope it leaves people in awe of the capabilities of the human body”
Ever wondered what life would be like as an acrobat? Award-winning Australian circus company Gravity & Other Myths give you a glimpse into what it feels like to be jumping, tumbling and falling on stage with their mesmerizing new show Out of Chaos, making its UK premiere at the Festival. Explosive acrobatics are at the centre of this celebration of physics, nature, creation and connection, where performers match stunts and stream-of-conciousness to welcome you into their acrobatic world. Suitable for ages 5 and up.
We caught up Behind the Scenes with co-creator and performer Lisa Goldsworthy to find out more.
Where are you and your company based?
Both myself and Gravity & Other Myths (GOM) are from Adelaide, South Australia - I grew up in Adelaide doing youth circus with the founding members of GOM.
Where did the idea or inspiration for Out of Chaos come from?
Out of Chaos came from the founding idea that we, as people, are interested in people - in particular the social dynamic that occurs and changes when you add or take away the number of people in a group. The work looks at both the micro and macro aspects of these circumstances. When are you a part of something larger than yourself or your community? When are you part of something larger than the universe or even the idea of existence itself? Whilst simultaneously being the centre of your own story.
How would you describe Out of Chaos in three words?
Acrobatic. Introspective. Cosmic.
What do you hope people will take away from Out of Chaos after they have seen or experienced it?
I hope people are left with the feeling of belonging; you are always part of something greater than yourself, a cog in an ever-turning machine. The fun part is, it’s up to you how you perceive that machine and your role in it. In addition, I hope it leaves people in awe of the capabilities of the human body and in particular the spectacular level that can be achieved when eight acrobats work together.
Anything else you want to share…?
If you enjoy Gravity & Other Myths’ theatre work, Out of Chaos, we are also performing our street roving work, Playbook, on 12 and 13 May. Experience the wonder of being eye to eye with the performers as they move throughout the crowds, in this outside urban setting.
Out of Chaos, 9-11 May, Brighton Dome Concert Hall
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Major Festivals Initiative, managed by the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals Inc. Commissioned by Adelaide Festival, Ten Days on the Island, Galway International Arts Festival (IRE), La Strada Graz Festival (AUT) and La Brèche, Pôle National Cirque de Normandie /Cherbourg-en-Cotentin (FR). This project was also supported by the Australia Council for the Arts. Gravity & Other Myths is supported as an organisation by Arts South Australia.