NICA’s talented second-year students will have no trouble fishing for compliments when they feature in this quirky aquarium of circus, cabaret and comedy. PESCADO – A Circus Cabaret Fusion will be performed in the National Institute of Circus Arts’ intimate studio space from 13 to 16 May 2015.
Co-directed by Australian cabaret and circus mainstays, Hayden Spencer and Carita Farrer Spencer, PESCADO will submerge the audience in a wonderful world of piscean characters, outstanding circus skills and tongue-in-gill silliness, all wrapped up in a ‘Venice Beach’ atmosphere.
The directors have plunged their creativity into the underwater theme. “We have created human characters that are based on elements from the ocean. Think aerial trapeze backing vocalists who strangely resemble both prawns and The Supremes, crab-like strong men, a Walrus-esque ringmaster, and scuba-diving DJs and dancers, said Hayden Spencer and Carita Farrer Spencer.
“Audiences can expect a brave and edgy performance full of stunning character work, physicalisation, humour and a dynamic array of circus skill performances. We have responded to the skill-set of our ensemble and their creative passions and ideas, then we framed a show around that. The result will be a cavalcade of characters, some hilarious and quirky, some dynamic and extreme.”
Twenty multi-talented artists will present high level circus skills including: Tight Wire, Hula Hoops, Acrobatics, Clowning, Aerial Straps, Handstands, Roue Cyr and Tissu along with a good dose of humour, live music and quirk.
Carita Farrer Spencer is an independent, award-winning theatre, cabaret, singer performer and director whose vast resume includes The Messiah (National Tour and Helpmann Award nomination). Melbourne Theatre Company: Cyrano de Bergerac. Queensland Theatre Company: The Venetian Twins; Proof; A Conversation; The Australian Sitcom Festival; and her recent Melbourne International Comedy Festival performance Larry Paradiseo & The Fabulous Dame Farrar.
Hayden Spencer brings a wealth of experience as an accomplished clown, writer, actor and director. He has performed as the lead clown in Cirque du Soleil’s Dralion, acted in multiple shows for Melbourne Theatre Company, La Boite Theatre Company among many other companies. He is also an accomplished writer/director working with La Boîte Theatre, QPAC, NICA and Queensland Theatre Company.
PESCADO – A Circus Cabaret Fusion
Movement Studio – NICA National Circus Centre, 39 – 59 Green Street, Prahran
Season: 13 – 16 May 2015
Bookings: or online at: www.nica.com.au
For more information, visit: www.nica.com.au for details.
Image: courtesy of NICA