National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) presents its second-year student ensemble show Within These Walls at NICA National Circus Centre this September.
Within These Walls divulges into how we cope when the world around us suddenly changes and our ability to reframe our perspective to transform the ugliest of things, into strangely beautiful expressions of the human condition.
NICA’s second year ensemble explores this vulnerable process with circus and theatre and through this, the ultimate challenge is revealed. What happens when we look our fear in the eyes? Can the two of us exist at once?
Within These Walls is directed by Katie Cawthorne, a renowned Australian theatre maker and co-founder of The Anchor Theatre Company, with dramaturgy by Sebastien Neo Pasche (Circus Under My Bed by Flying Fruit Fly Circus). The duo are well-versed in provoking and summoning the hidden emotional poetry from unassuming scenes.
The intriguing domestic set is designed by Eloise Kent (Eclipse, NICA 2022 and The Darkening Sky, Theatre Works 2022), and illuminated by Kris Chainey’s lighting design (Circonoclasm and Made to Measure, NICA 2022), to a soundscape crafted by Ian Moorhead (SLAP. BANG. KISS. Melbourne Theatre Company 2022, Oneiric, NICA 2023).
The expert costuming will be brought to life by Laurel Frank (Circus Oz, founding member) with the unwavering support of the Melbourne Polytechnic costume and makeup students. The stage is poised for the thrilling, the frightening, and the astonishing.
“This work has been thoughtfully balanced, with the set, sound and light holding our hands to take us through this journey of The Human,” said Katie Cawthorne. “The students have contributed incredible ideas and have taken real ownership over this story. We’ve built it as a team, it has the voice of each and every one of us.”
Expect feats of contortion and swinging aerials layered in remarkable acrobatic storytelling. Within these walls is unravelled by a unique, dexterous, and highly skilled cohort of second year students, itching to thrill and surprise audiences with their debut performance.
The National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) is Australia’s Centre of Excellence for training in contemporary circus arts. NICA is a member of the Arts8 organisation and is one of Australia’s unique circus education and training centres. Graduates of NICA have gone on to pursue exciting careers both locally and internationally and have contributed to the development of Melbourne’s vibrant circus arts industry.
Director: Katie Cawthorne | Featuring: Anais Stewart, Gabriel Walker, Gemma Jackson, Jasmin Tait, Jasmine Poniris, Jesse Holden, Krystal Meakins, Kyle Fowler, Luca Trimboli, Max Neal, Merlene Hutt, Rose Symons, Taylor Vogt, Tyson Wallent, Zaelea Nolte | Dramaturge: Sebastien Neo Pasche | Set Design: Eloise Kent | Costume Design: Laurel Frank | Composition/Sound Design: Ian Moorhead | Lighting Design: Kris Chainey | Production: Make-up and Costume Design students from Melbourne Polytechnic
Within These Walls
National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA), 39 – 59 Green Street, Prahran
Season: 12 – 16 September 2023
Information and Bookings: www.nica.com.au
Image: Within These Walls – courtesy of NICA