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MOMENTUM

By Women's Circus

Image above credit Sarah Walker

Co-commissioned by Arts Centre Melbourne & Metro Tunnel Creative Program

A simple shift can initiate momentum, an energy, revealing connection between all of us and the power we all possess to create change.

Every one of us is on a journey that begins with us – and ends with us. Connecting, disconnecting, reconnecting; every person we meet and every place we go changes us. Momentum delves into a world of seemingly unconnected individuals and events, in a place that is governed by the unavoidable and constant cycles of time and change.

A public, site-specific circus performance, Momentum invites the audience to take a journey, experiencing moments of connectedness, change and possibility.

Video: courtesy of Metro Tunnel Creative Program, credit Rat and Dragon.

This bold work from Women’s Circus is performed by Women’s Circus Inclusive Ensemble – an eclectic team of disabled and non-disabled artists who come from a variety of practices spanning circus, dance and theatre

Co-directors Jo Dunbar and Tarn Scully have both worked for decades in theatre and circus with deep roots in the intersecting worlds of arts and disability worked with the team using collaborative art making models exemplified by Weave Movement TheatreBack to BackRawcus, and the UK’s renowned Extraordinary Bodies.  

Premiere at Alter State Festival

This critically acclaimed public performance, two years in the making, premiered at Arts Centre Melbourne as part of Alter State Festival in 2022. Alter State is a major disability arts festival celebrating contemporary art and live performance by artists from Australia and Aotearoa (NZ).

Audiences and passersby were given a front row seat to contemporary circus performed by the ensemble who activated the surrounds and external building of the Arts Centre’s iconic building. 

Wall running, globe walking, tissu slings and wheelchairs rigged from the top of walkways were brought to life through beautiful choreographed movement sequences and an accompanying soundscape designed by Sharyn Brand that audiences could listen to via headsets. 

Vivienne Halat, Dr Melinda Smith OAM, Emma J Hawkins and roya the destroya performing in Momentum. Image credit Kate Disher-Quill
Momentum at Alter State - credit Kate Disher-Quill
Momentum at Alter State - credit Kate Disher-Quill
Momentum at Alter State - credit Kate Disher-Quill
Momentum at Alter State - credit Kate Disher-Quill
Momentum at Alter State - credit Kate Disher-Quill
Momentum at Alter State - credit Kate Disher-Quill
Momentum at Alter State - credit Kate Disher-Quill

All photos above credit Kate Disher-Quill.

Cast and Credit

Cast

Anso Swann Biguet
Vivienne Halat
Emma J Hawkins
roya the destroya
Tarn Scully
Dr Melinda Smith OAM
Creatrix Tiara (Voice Actor)

Credits

Co-directors: Jo Dunbar and Tarn Scully
Rigging Designer and Rigger: Franca Stadler
Project Manager: Alison Neville
Production Designer: Jac Antcliff
Sound Designer: Sharyn Brand
Production Stage Manager: Reis Low
Producer: Women’s Circus

Creative development

Behind the scenes with the ensemble devising and rehearsing in Women’s Circus training space.

Momentum rehearsals, photo Theresa Harrison Photography
Momentum rehearsals, photo Theresa Harrison Photography
Momentum rehearsals, photo Theresa Harrison Photography
Momentum rehearsals, photo Theresa Harrison Photography
Vivienne Halat Momentum rehearsals, photo Theresa Harrison Photography
Momentum rehearsals, photo Theresa Harrison Photography

All photos above credit Theresa Harrison Photography

Momentum was made possible through the generous support of our funders and partners:

Metro tunnel creative program logo
Art Centre Melbourne Logo
Creative Victoria logo.
Maribyrnong City Council logo.
Besen Foundation Logo

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