In an exhilarating new creation by Melbourne’s very own One Fell Swoop Circus, “In Common” breathes life into an astonishing 8-meter sculpture crafted from steel and rope. This mesmerizing spectacle features eight acrobats who harness the company’s distinctive style of acrobatics: a blend of heartfelt, powerful, and intimate performances.

Employing a diverse range of circus apparatus techniques, including Chinese pole, tightwire, slackrope, corde lisse, and aerial straps, the ensemble fearlessly executes daring feats within the steel framework, ingeniously designed by a company renowned for crafting roll cages for fire trucks. With virtuosic acrobatics and intricate choreography, predominantly by a female cast who honed their skills at NICA (National Institute of Circus Arts), the audience is guided through a visceral exploration of the bonds we share within our community and the collective safety nets we intricately weave. This exceptional event, suitable for all ages, will captivate audiences at Gasworks Arts Park Site Gardens in Albert Park from Friday, October 6th, to Sunday, October 8th.

Jonathan Morgan, Co-Founder of One Fell Swoop Circus, reflects on the genesis of this remarkable work: “The idea began when we encountered a tensegrity sculpture by Kenneth Snelson. We were profoundly struck by the illusion of the sculpture’s poles seemingly suspended in mid-air, held together solely by wire and tension. This concept resonated with us, paralleling the essence of circus as an art form—a realm where the seemingly impossible becomes a reality. It also draws intriguing parallels with the human body, bound together by tendons and ligaments. Finally, we see this concept extending to our broader communities, where the tensions and structures we create collectively strive to make the world a better place for all.”

In a one-of-a-kind cross-city extravaganza, “In Common” will grace three distinct public locations across Melbourne during each week of the Fringe Festival. All performances are open-air and free of charge. Immerse yourself in this groundbreaking spectacle amidst the serene garden parklands of Gasworks Arts Park, the vibrant Nicholson St Mall in Footscray, or the amphitheater at Federation Square, right in the heart of the CBD. The creative duo behind One Fell Swoop Circus, Charice Rust and Jonathan Morgan, boasts over a decade of collaborative excellence. Their previous works, “By A Thread” and “Kilter,” have garnered rave reviews and prestigious awards. “In Common” has garnered support from various funding sources, including the City of Melbourne, The Australian Council for the Arts, the Gasworks Patrons Foundation, and the Fringe Fund’s “Cash to Create” initiative, with heartfelt thanks to Rupert Myer and the Pulse Giving Circle.

“In Common” is set to dazzle audiences at Gasworks Arts Park Site Gardens in Albert Park on the following dates: Friday, October 6th at 6pm, Saturday, October 7th at 2pm and 6pm, and Sunday, October 8th at 2pm and 6pm. While admission is free, reservations are essential. Secure your seats by booking here.

Photos @Daniel Rabin