Circa's Duck Pond: A Swan Lake-Inspired Circus Production Arrives in Perth
Brisbane-based Circa is set to captivate audiences at the Heath Ledger Theatre in Perth with its innovative circus production, Duck Pond. This show draws inspiration from the classic ballet Swan Lake, reimagining it with contemporary aerials and acrobatics. Artistic director Yaron Lifschitz leads the company, bringing a unique blend of physicality and humour to the stage.
Yaron Lifschitz: From Circus Fan to Visionary Director
Yaron Lifschitz, born in Cape Town and raised in Sydney, recalls falling in love with circus as a child but never performing due to his self-described physical ineptitude. Instead, he pursued theatre direction, only to find traditional plays boring. This led him back to circus, where he embraced the wonder of acrobatics. In 2004, he transformed Rock 'n' Roll Circus into Circa, aiming to push beyond conventional circus boundaries. Lifschitz explains that "Circa" means "around" or "about," reflecting their approach to redefining the art form.
Duck Pond: A Modern Take on Classic Tales
Duck Pond premiered in July 2023 and is now touring Western Australia as part of Circa's global schedule of about 400 performances annually. The production blends elements from Swan Lake and The Ugly Duckling, exploring themes of identity through a 10-acrobat cast. Lifschitz collaborated with his wife, costume designer Libby McDonnell, to incorporate ballet aesthetics, resulting in shiny, practical costumes. The 70-minute show features composition by Jethro Woodward, lighting by Alexander Berlage, and is designed to appeal to both art enthusiasts and families.
Audience Impact and Artistic Vision
Lifschitz emphasises that Duck Pond balances sophisticated art with heartfelt storytelling, aiming to evoke gasps of exhilaration from audiences. He notes the challenge of structuring the narrative while leaving room for impressions and flavours. The production has garnered awards and toured across six continents, showcasing Circa's ability to perform in diverse venues from theatres to cemeteries. Duck Pond runs at the Heath Ledger Theatre from April 12 to 18, 2026, offering a fresh perspective on circus and ballet fusion.
