JUNK

Flying Fruit Fly Circus JUNKStep back in time to 1940s rural Australia to meet the play-loving kids who live behind a junk yard in Flying Fruit Fly Circus’ exhilarating new show Junk at Arts Centre Melbourne for three performances from 22 September 2017.

An inventive exploration of the changing world of childhood, set in a time before kids had access to television, computers and expensive toys, the Flying Fruit Flies use only their imagination to transform household trash into a magical landscape of thrilling circus adventures. Led by Artistic Director Jodie Farrugia they incorporate games of a time gone by such as noughts and crosses, tricycle-riding, elastics and hopscotch.

The intergenerational work evolved from interviews conducted by the young Flying Fruit Fly’s with elders at their local nursing home about games they played as children. The voices of these elders are used as sound sources, along with the rhythmic chants and verses from skipping games and hopscotch.

Sound Designer Bec Matthews has included music and songs from the 1940s, interspersed with live interludes from the performers themselves playing instruments including a washboard, percussion and stringed instruments along with a junked piano.

“We are all very proud of this new work, which so beautifully reflects our company’s home and roots in regional Albury-Wodonga,” says Executive Director and Producer, Richard Hull. “It also asks some relevant questions about how children are allowed to dream, imagine and discover risk in our modern day society. Junk is a spectacular showcase for the energy and skills of 17 extraordinary young circus artists.”

Founded in 1979 as a holiday project for local youth in Albury-Wodonga, the Flying Fruit Fly Circus is recognised as one of the world’s leading youth arts companies. With many landmark projects to its name and an ever-increasing alumni working in leading companies around the world, it is perhaps Australia’s most successful cultural community development project, continuing to enrich the lives of many young Australians.

The Flying Fruit Fly Circus has done it again, JUNK is absolutely wondrous. So much joy, never just tricks. Highly recommend to all. Grab a child, go.” – Sydney Morning Herald

JUNK
Playhouse – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne
Performances: 22 & 23 September 2017
Bookings: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au

For more information, visit: www.fruitflycircus.com.au for details.

Image: courtesy of Flying Fruit Fly Circus