Model Citizens

Circus served with a side of politics? Why not! Circus Oz presents its latest show, Model Citizens, which beyond the over-sized props, death-defying acrobatics, and sensational live music, assesses whether we do in fact live in the ‘lucky’ country. Milk Bar Mag was excited to score a ringside seat and jumped on board the visually and emotionally charged show. 

Located atop the hills of Birrarung Marr in the Big Top, Artistic Director Rob Tannion has done an excellent job in creating a world that is both familiar and unrecognisable. Giant everyday objects – scissors, a reel of thread and a safety pin – dress the stage, while the set is inspired by a plastic model kit used in many toy packages. The concept is simple: model citizens are those who live in a world that can be neatly snapped out from the mold and assembled according to the instructions. 

Many traditional circus apparatus have been re-imagined to fit the narrative: acrobats fly high in an enormous pair of undies in the aerial slings act; acrobats back-flip off a giant vertical clothes peg; and artists dodge rolling bowling balls in the Cyr wheel act. The house of credit cards act, performed by Luke Ha, was most spectacular, speaking to our generation’s blasé attitude towards living with mounting debt. What distinguishes this circus troupe is the multi-abilities possessed by the artists. One moment they would be balancing on a tightrope, the next elegantly playing the violin – and the next, performing both concurrently. The Worship my Weber song by musician Jeremy Hopkind – a ditty built on the strains of Waltzing Matilda – portrays a man’s discontent as he juggles the his in-laws’ snooty expectations. A performance that received an overwhelming amount of praise and laughs.

The verdict: Model Citizens is a spectacle of dizzying heights and does not shy away from making comments on the state of modern Australia. For those who are simply circus enthusiasts, you will be impressed by the fast-paced tumbles, juggling, hula-hooping, contortion and knife-throwing that Circus Oz is known for. Despite opening-night hiccups, when the lights dim, you will be wowed. 

‘If you think you know Circus Oz, you might be surprised. Come and experience Model Citizens for yourself. We dare you,’ says Tannion.