By Danielle Kutchel
Circus Oz is bringing its latest show, Aurora, to Bunjil Place in a special series of performances that everybody in the family can enjoy.
Three shows will be held over Friday 13 and Saturday 14 March with the Saturday shows featuring accessible elements to make them suitable for people with limited vision, intellectual disabilities, sensory sensibilities or other disabilities.
Saturday’s 1.30pm session is a relaxed performance, while Saturday’s 7.30 pm session is audio described with a pre-show tactile tour available.
Musical director for Circus Oz and musician in Aurora, Jeremy Hopkins, said the show would allow people with many different disabilities to enjoy the fun of the circus.
“It’s fascinating to see the different ways the show can be put together,” he said.
“One of my favourites is the commentary that happens through the performance for people with limited vision.”
During this commentary, cast members are given nicknames to allow the audience to identify them – such as ‘Bendy Man’ for the contortionist – and the audience is taken on a tactile tour to get to know the stage and props through touch.
For Mr Hopkins, the accessible performances are somewhat personal: he was diagnosed with ADHD as a child and recently found out he is also on the autism spectrum.
“The way those shows are created really appeals to me because I have the same difficulties for sensory processing, so much so that when we do the performance, they feel like the way I’d like to watch a show myself.
“There are lots of empty seats so kids can walk around and stretch out if they need to, you can talk or make noise if you want and nobody will tell you to shush, and if you’re getting restless or overwhelmed you can leave at any time and there are quite corners outside where you can relax.
“It’s nice to know kids nowadays are getting the opportunities I didn’t have.”
Circus Oz has fine-tuned the accessible shows over the years after feedback from the autism community and disability experts to ensure audiences get the balance of the same story other audiences watch, without the sensory overwhelm.
“The show is fantastic, I just think everybody should come along and see it, it’s got something for everybody,” Mr Hopkins said.
“For me as a non-acrobat, when circus is good, it’s like watching a miracle happen on stage every night.”
Aurora is showing at Bunjil Place on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 March. For more information or to book tickets visit www.bunjilplace.com.au/aurora-by-circus-oz
