The Last Circus

Export event | Export network | Feedback | Map | Network | Print
Event The Last Circus
Venue The Performance Space (1983-2007), Redfern, NSW
First Date 17 February 1988
Opening Date 18 February 1988
Last Date 5 March 1988
Dates Estimated No
Status Professional
World Premiere Yes
Description “Entr’acte have done it again - come up with a mind-blowing concoction of theatre, dance, mime and thought that puts almost every other show in town to shame. They deal in metaphors and small miracles of everyday existence, They deal in metaphors and small miracles of everyday existence………everything about this play is at once simple to the point of foolishness, and incredibly emotive….a slice of life served warm and yeasty. Each of the characters presented reminds you of someone or some aspect of yourself…..A performance and a half, this will keep your brain ticking over for days with images and expansions. Worth seeing more than once.” Ryan, On the Street.

“For The Last Circus the group has brought together a variety of specialised talents in movement or speech, a developed a movement-theatre piece from nothing more than a handful of ideas......What impressed and delighted me about The Last Circus was the detail. Entr’acte had a residency Lin Indonesia last year, and reminders of it canoe found in the eye-catching fabrics…masks...music and in a memorable segment of Pierre Thibaudeau's performance. There is so much finesse in his way of moving that he, more than any other performer, is able to convey comedy through the actual lines and stance of his body. Stylised to a point somewhere between com media dell-are and Javanese dance, his comic interludes were a highlight.
So were those of Bob Burton, in a completely different way. …he uses his exceptional athleticism to knead that dough bodily in a stunning display of gymnastics.” Sykes, SMH.
Description Source Reviewer's Opinion
Primary Genre Other
Secondary Genre Circus
Ensemble
Visual Theatre
Performance Art
Clowning
Farce
Avant-garde
Absurdist
Integrated ensemble
Corporeal Theatre
Organisations
Contributors
Name Function Notes
Christopher Allen Administrator
Anne Lowe Costume Designer
Pierre Thibaudeau Director
John Baylis Dramaturg/e
Elizabeth Burton Hair Stylist
Efterpi Soropos Lighting Designer
Karen Matheson Lighting Operator / Technician
Christopher Allen Performer
Andrea Aloise Performer
Elisabeth Burke Performer
Bob Burton Performer
Bruce Keller Performer
Derek Kreckler Performer
Pierre Thibaudeau Performer
Regis Lansac Photographer
Richard (Rick) Harrison Production Coordinator
Pierre Thibaudeau Production Designer
Elisabeth Burke Teacher Company training in corporeal-theatre
Bob Burton Teacher Movement training- especially jumping
Bruce Keller Teacher Additional voice teaching
Janice Slater Teacher Voice teacher
Resources
Text Nationality Australia
Production Nationality Australia
Further Information Discussion with the cast and company after the show on Thurs 25 Feb 1988.
Event Status Completed
Data Source
Source Description
Entr'acte Archives ETL10: folders of programs, publicity and reviews. ETL25: Music masters. Blair Greenberg. ETL26: Music rehearsal & copy tapes ETL08: Photos EP14: Photos, proof sheets, slides EPV01, EPV13: Videos C082/EPT05 - company training.
Review Angela Bennie, “An uncertain mix of food for the mind”, The Australian, Wednesday, February 24, 1988. Susan Charlton, “Clever mix of wit and agility”, The Eastern Herald, Friday, February 25, 1988. Susan Ryan, “The Last Circus”, On the Street, Wednesday, February 24, 1988.
Performance Space Database
CV EB&PT long CV-unedited, Entr’acte Archives, EPT02
Review Paul McGillick, “Eloquent body language”, Financial Review, Friday February 26, 1988. Barry Oakley, “the bread part was good but the custard pie needed work” The National times on Sunday, February 28, 1988. Jemima Kemp, “The Last Circus”, Arena, p,22.
Programme Dennis Wolanski Library collection at UNSW Library
Australian Theatre Record February 1988
Event Identifier 473