As the Circa prepares for their next show Humans 2.0, David Blanco from FUSE chatted with Canberran troupe member Chelsea Hall about Australian contemporary circus, her exciting artistic journey/
has shaped her into the highly skilled performer she is today. Humans 2.0 is bound to engage and inspire local audiences, leaving them captivated at the wonder of the human form in motion.
David Blanco (FUSE): What can Canberra audiences expect when they come to Humans 2.0 , and how do think the show will resonate with them?
Chelsea Hall: Firstly, they can expect an exciting, world class acrobatics circus show. Humans 2.0 has a lot to say on an emotional level too. Amongst the troupe, we refer to the show as a kind of petri dish of human experience that we try to interpret on stage, evoking friendship, joy and heartbreak.
I hope that Humans 2.0 takes each audience member on their own special journey.
One of the show’s prominent themes is being human in a changing world. Does this hold any personal connection for you?
Yes, and especially in the context of the world of the circus. Growing up, the circus was my safe haven. It provided both protection and support as I navigated the world in my formative years. Discovering this safe space in the circus allowed me to evolve into a version of myself capable of contributing positively to the changing world.
How do you adapt to the physical demands of a show like Humans 2.0?
It's like a full 9 to 5 job! This show is one of the most acrobatic in Circa’s repertoire, so of course we vigorously train and rehearse every day in the lead up to the season. Practicing the acrobatic towers and structures we create with our bodies requires time, trust and a lot of patience. We also train and prepare our muscles to hold these physical formations.
Photo: It may feel like a pertinent time to ask: 'What is it to be a human?' And the vivid and physical response from circa is the prescient Humans 2.0, created and directed by Yaron Lifschitz.
So, I’m guessing lots of warm-ups and cool-downs?
Totally! I’ve spent way too many years of my life warming up, cooling down and warming back up again!
In Humans 2.0, are there any scenes or sequences that you particularly enjoy performing?
Honestly, it varies depending on the day and my mood. Some days, certain scenes or sequences in the show resonate with me more than others. If I'm feeling happy, excited, or even stressed, different parts of the show will connect with me in different ways. There are times when I think, "I really needed that duet or those movements today." So, depending on the day, I might click into different aspects of the show's various elements.
What is the meaning of the title Humans 2.0?
Humans 2.0 is a sequel to our previous production, Humans, where we honoured the essence of humanity. In 2.0, we delve deeper into what we term the 'groove language,' which I see as a deep human sensation that comes from within. The show explores a diverse range of human experiences, building upon ‘Humans’ while introducing fresh themes and nuances.
In acrobatics, trust seems to be a really important factor. How do you establish trust when performing risky routines?
That’s a really interesting question. Trust among acrobatic performers is something that's given and earned at the same time. Being in the arts, in general, is pretty vulnerable, so you have to be open with yourself and your fellow performers right from the start to build trust fast. Spending so much time together on tour, like in Circa where we might be on the road for 6 or 12 months, living and performing together really bonds us and teaches us a lot about each other as performers. If you added up all the years of experience in our cast, it would be hundreds of years. That makes it easier to trust each other when we're up there performing.
How did you become a circus performer?
When I was younger, I had no idea that circus performing could be a career. I was really into science and thought I'd pursue that when I grew up. I'm originally from Canberra, and when I was young, I stumbled upon a circus for kids called the Warehouse Circus. I started taking classes there and instantly fell in love—it felt like a safe, welcoming, and incredibly fun place. I stuck with Warehouse Circus until I turned 18 and had to decide about university. That's when I discovered there's actually a circus university in Melbourne! I signed up, graduated with a Bachelor of Circus Arts, and then joined Circa. It's been an incredible journey—I feel incredibly lucky to be here. Circa is an amazing company, and honestly, I was a bit starstruck when I first joined!
How does the music in Humans 2.0 influence the movement and emotions of the performance?
Ori Lichtik, the show’s composer, is someone we’ve worked with before. For Humans 2.0, our acrobats’ movements were filmed and sent to Ori by our director, Yaron Lifschitz. Ori then composed the music inspired by the acrobats’ body language, creating a dialogue between movement and melody. Some tracks were influenced by our stunts, and some routines were shaped by the music. It’s a really cool, creative exchange.
Do you ever see yourself joining a ‘traditional’ circus with clowns, jugglers, and a Ring Master?
You know, those classic circuses? They’re like the origin of all circus acts, and what we do at Circa is just taking it to the next level. Those traditional shows are still mind-blowing, but they’re just a different flavour from to what we do at Circa. They’ve got their own magic, their own set of tricks, and hopping between the two worlds is pretty cool. But join one of those old-school circuses? I haven’t really thought about it. I’m just really enjoying being part of Circa right now!
“Jaw-dropping, seat-clawing and armchair-exhausting” – ArtsHub
HUMANS 2.0
The Playhouse
2 - 4 May 2024
Circus & Physical Theatre
“Humans 2.0 is a seriously sensational spectacle: as aesthetic as it is athletic, as comedic as it is grave, and all in all, a visceral delight.” – The Conversation
Humans 2.0 is commissioned by The Mondavi Center, UC Davis. Circa acknowledges the assistance of the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. Circa is based in Meanjin (Brisbane) on the lands of the Jagera and Turrbal people. We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the many lands on which we create and perform. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. Always was. Always will be.
Circa Contemporary Circus is one of the world’s leading performance companies. Since 2004, from our base in Brisbane, Australia, we have toured the world – performing in more than 45 countries to nearly 2 million people. Our works have been greeted with standing ovations, rave reviews and sold-out houses across six continents.
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