The world’s most romantic ballet gets a spectacular circus makeover as homegrown heroes of contemporary circus Circa presents Duck Pond at the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne’s Princess Theatre this January.
Set to enthral lovers of ballet, fairy tales and circus alike with an undeniably entertaining story about finding your true self, Duck Pond features Circa’s signature physicality and jaw-dropping acrobatics, laced with cheeky humour.
Feats of strength and bravery are impeccably balanced with fluid moments of artistry and grace, a true showcase of the diverse skills that have earned Circa its ingenious reputation.
Defying convention and genre, this inventive take on Swan Lake and The Ugly Duckling reinterprets both beloved tales as a spectacle of circus.
Reaching more than two million people in over 45 countries across six continents, the Australian company have forged a path as elite and emotive performers, redefining expectations of circus as an artform.
The company is led by the visionary Yaron Lifschitz, named by the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) as the recipient of its 2025 Distinguished Artist Award and joining the company of Leonard Bernstein, Joan Sutherland and Uncle Jack Charles.
“Duck Pond is truly iconoclastic – it has sophistication, beauty, humour, silliness, a classic good vs evil storyline, everything you want to see in an enchanting live show,” said Lifschitz. “It also has a stunning array of awe-inspiring acrobatic languages for audiences to sink their teeth into, showcasing the best of this brilliant creative ensemble.”
“Thoroughly entertaining. This circus mash-up of Swan Lake and The Ugly Duckling is a seasonal treat.” – Time Out, 2024
Duck Pond
Concert Hall – Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney
Season: 9 – 12 January 2026
Bookings: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
Princess Theatre, Spring Street, Melbourne
Season: 14 – 25 January 2026
Bookings: www.ticketek.com
Duck Pond will also be presented at HOTA, Gold Coast, from 6 – 7 March 2026. For more information, visit: www.circa.org.au for details.
Images: Circa presents Duck Pond – photo by Pia Johnson