- Circus Oz
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Circus Oz was founded in December 1977, with its first performance season in March 1978. Circus Oz was the amalgamation of two already well-known groups - Soapbox Circus, a roadshow set up by the Australian Performing Group in 1976, and the New Ensemble Circus, a continuation of the New Circus, established in Adelaide in 1974.[1]
The founders wanted to create a modern circus without animals, but instead with elements of rock'n'roll, popular theatre and satire. The company has an ongoing social justice agenda and have generally been open about supporting humanitarian causes. Over the years this has included women's rights, land rights for indigenous Australians and strong feelings about the plight of asylum seekers.[2]
The most significant developmental elements in the early years of Circus Oz were the 32 week 1979 season at the Last Laugh Theatre Restaurant in Melbourne, the Chinese acrobatic master classes and the groupʼs relations with The Flying Fruit Fly Circus. Circus Oz has performed in New York City and London as part of its international touring. [1]
References
- ^ a b The History of Circus Oz by Jon Hawkes http://www.circusoz.com/digitalAssets/1479_1234416397068_The%20History%20of%20Circus%20Oz.pdf
- ^ Circus Oz web site http://www.circusoz.com.au
External links
- Circus Oz website
- Circus Ozz Collection at the Performing Arts Collection, Arts Centre, Melbourne
- Circus in Australia at the Australian culture and recreation portal
Categories:- 1978 establishments
- Australian circuses
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