Circus Oz announces key appointments

Circus Oz Robert TannionFollowing an extensive national and international recruitment process, Circus Oz is delighted to announce the appointment of their new Artistic Director, Rob Tannion.

Circus Oz Chair, Wendy McCarthy, said the Board is delighted Rob Tannion has accepted the role, “Artistic search is always exciting as we seek the person who will lead and challenge the company’s artistic history and future.  I am confident that Rob will do that and much more as he brings his energy, contemporary skills and international experience back home to Australia to lead Circus Oz.”

Rob Tannion is a European based Australian director and choreographer with many years experience in creating original circus, physical theatre and dance productions. During 2015, Rob was the artistic director of Spain’s Organizacion Efimera and the resident director of the Madrid based circus company Circo de los Horrores. In recent years his shows have toured in big tops, outdoor festivals and theatres throughout Europe, Australia, Central and South America.

“After many years of directing and working across the genres of circus, dance, physical theatre and musicals on the international stage, I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Circus Oz as the new Artistic Director,” said Mr Tannion. “Making the move from Madrid to Melbourne, I offer the company a wealth of solid directorial experience, boundless energy, and a strong vision for the future. Buckle up and hold on tight, the fun is about to begin!”

In late March Rob will relocate to Australia and officially commence with Circus Oz in April 2016. Before moving to Melbourne, he will continue to direct the annual five-week Christmas season in Madrid´s prestigious Teatro Circo Price, with over 30 international artists, a seven-piece live band, large scale set and stunning visual effects. February will see him back in Mexico to remount the Circo de los Horrores show in a new city after a three-month run in Mexico City.

Circus Oz also announces that Anni Davey has been appointed as Guest Show Director for 2016. In this role Anni will work with Circus Oz founding member, Tim Coldwell, and the ensemble on the creation of the next Circus Oz production.

Anni is a past Circus Oz ensemble member who has maintained an ongoing relationship with the company. She is the chair of Australian Circus and Physical Theatre Association (ACAPTA); has created and directed award-winning productions including for Yana Alana and the Paranas, One Trick Pony, A4 Circus Ensemble; and is one of the lead artistic collaborators on Retro Futurismo.

Following the Brisbane Festival season of Retro Futurismo, Anni Davey will formally start at Circus Oz at the end of January 2016, and work with the Circus Oz ensemble to develop the new show collaboratively with the performers before a Victorian regional tour in April 2016 and Big Top season in Melbourne in June 2016.

For more information, visit: www.circusoz.com for details.

Image: Rob Tannion (supplied)