The fast-paced Duck Pond is an exhilarating romp of astonishing acrobatics and creative wit in a concise 75-minute show. There is no time to be bored with one trick after another thoughtfully woven into a narrative of love and transformation, borrowing elements from Swan Lake and The Ugly Duckling.
Brisbane based Circa cleverly blends circus art with creative movement, story and acrobatic tricks that are most innovative. Self-described as “Swan Lake Gone Wild”, Circa makes a point of not taking itself too seriously while reimagining the iconic ballet as a tale of transformation laced with vaudevillian humor. A memorable comedic scene is a flock of 12 ducks with broomsticks tumbling to a rendition of “Dance of Cygnets” from Swan Lake. Performers march in intricate patterns around the stage while tumbling with their brooms and each other.
There are several recognizable samplings from Peter Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake woven into Jethro Woodward’s modern score. Costumes are bold and sexy, beautifully displaying the performers’ muscular bodies without hindering their death defying moves. The set consists of vertical panels making use of Alexander Berlage’s lighting design, which often features blue tones. Artistic Director Yaron Lifschitz collaborated with the Circa Ensemble creating inventive movement and choreography throughout the performance. Transitions from one circus apparatus to another were particularly seamless and nuanced.
Duck Pond prominently displays the talent of its performers, who embody elite skill and athleticism. There is a bounty of jaw-dropping acrobatics that will take your breath away including an opening act solo performed by Asha Colless as the Fairy Swan Mother. With fabric hung from the ceiling Colless effortlessly wound herself up to the rafters and balanced between two pieces of fabric wrapped around her ankles while in the splits before uncoiling at great speed towards the ground. There were audible gasps of disbelief from the audience. But Duck Pond is not all about the “ta-da!” moments. There is a sensitive sensuality throughout the production. An aerial hoop scene eloquently frames four suspended female performers while slowly rotating. The effect is both mesmerizing and impressive. A kaleidoscope image is achieved in group scenes in which the acrobats sustain overhead lifts with a sublime beauty. The still moments progress to body tossing of one fearless performer after another making the viewer believe in the magic of flight.
Although all of the performers displayed great skill, the female characters in particular resonated with exquisite guile and strength. Ugly Duckling/White Swan Sophie Seccombe embodied the innocence and naivety of a young hatchling in her bed pillow solo while showing off her impressive contortionist abilities, while Black Swan Maya Davies was alluring in her sexy solos, including a suspended pole in which she danced vertically. Davies also enticed in a hand-balancing act that included walking on her partner’s back while wearing red stiletto heels and a sheer black unitard.
Duck Pond largely features strong female performers who are often at the base of a human pyramid with the men. Much of the partnering work utilizes women as the lifters rather than only being lifted as seen when Davies danced with Seccombe. It was very refreshing to watch powerful women supporting each other in less predictable ways that added to the unique theme of the show.
Circa’s approach to circus theatre is fresh, with modern sensibilities attracting a younger audience, most of whom were on their feet erupting with applause as the curtain closed. Duck Pond delivers a sparkling disco-ball filled with surprises that will keep viewers engaged and enthralled. The encore is particularly quirky with an unexpected salute to the burlesque roots of circus art. It is unfortunate that the circus performers’ names were not featured more prominently in the program as their talents included great courage in very risky circus acts. With affordable ticket prices, Circa’s Duck Pond successfully exhibits accessible high art with charm and athletic splendor.
Duck Pond has performances through to Sunday 25 January in Melbourne.
Photo credit: Daniel Boud
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Paris Wages reviewed “Duck Pond”, presented by Circa at the Princess Theatre on January 15, 2026.
