'Join this travelling spectacle for just a night, and allow our global First Peoples to delight and disturb with tales and talents you won’t soon forget. From the Aboriginal Cannibal Boomerang Throwers and the great Wizard of the High Wire, to the exotic Fijian Mermaid… this is the story of the First circus performers.
'From specimens to stars, discover the power, resilience and strength of our First Peoples told with provocative political humour, searing irony and stinging social commentary. And, of course, all the striking burlesque, vaudeville and spectacular entertainment you know and love.
'Be amazed by the savage ringmaster, the powerful song woman and more.
'Step under the big top as we discover this circus with bite!' (Production summary)
Presented by, and performed at the Sydney Opera House 22-27 October 2019.
Conceived and Written by Rhoda Roberts AO (Sydney Opera House Head of First Nations Programming)
Director Chelsea McGuffin (Company 2)
Assistant Director, Set and Lighting Design Mark Howett (The Secret River)
Music Director Damian Robinson (Wicked Beat Sound System)
Costume Designer Tim Chappel (The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert)
Mer Island dancer Waangenga Blanco
NZ Maori Artist Mika Haka
Mununjali circus artist Beau James
Niuean acrobat and aerial contortionist Josephine Mailisi
Tongan performance artist 'SistaNative' Seini Taumoepeau
Rotuman musician and performer Samuela Taukave aka Skillz
