Throughout Australia and the rest of the world, there are hundreds of different circus groups, ranging in size, ability and recognition. For centuries, circuses have featured animals, human spectacles and death-defying feats, bringing entertainment to millions.
When Murray Henstock started Circusoc in 1996, its members came together to juggle and experiment with acrobatics. Since then, it has expanded to become the largest fire twirling group in Australia, as well as a highly visible entity in the Sydney circus scene. We not only aim to perform, but also to freely teach all those who are willing to learn. Some of our skills include; fire breathing, fire twirling with staff and poi, juggling, acrobatics, acrobalance, stilt walking, balloon twisting, aerial silk performances, devil sticks, clown work, face painting and more.
We have performed for a number of prestigious clients, including the Australian Defence Force on several occasions; the Sydney Olympic Committee at the opening ceremony of the 2000 Olympic Games; and the Crusty Demons, to an audience of 15 000 at the Sydney Super Dome.
Circusoc also caters for smaller events like birthday parties, school graduations and book launches. Some of our non-performance based outings involve teaching skills to school children, girl guides and disadvantaged groups.
We meet regularly to develop the skills of newer members and expand on the performance abilities of our members. We have fostered a great sense of community spirit within the UNSW scene and within the wider community.
Circus is amazing to watch, especially when you consider the skills the performers have had to master over countless hours (sometimes years) of practice. When the audience says … “That looks easy”, you know the performer has done their job. Because its not easy. Its not simple and that, for those of us who can appreciate what goes on behind the performance, enjoy it even more.
To hear they had put this show together over 8 weeks in their own time, whilst also attending to their own work, study and lives gives you a sense of their dedication. Some performers had only been learning their skill for a few months and they blew me away. Others had come from far afield to share their talents in support of a unique university club that after 20 years still strives to provide an avenue for people to learn new skills, gain experience, try something new and ultimately put on a show unlike anything we have seen before.
And that is what they did.
Out of Line was a unique blend of performances with little dialogue (in some places none). With characters portrayed as crickets, fish, cats, wooden puppets, foxes, donkeys and tramps, it takes more than just being good to be able to deliver a convincing performance.
The performance showcased different forms of juggling, twirling, contortion, manipulation, contact juggling, acro-balance and strength-work, dance, fan choreography, uni-cycle riding and even a little Kung Fu, and did so in a way that was true to the characters and well integrated into the story.
I congratulate the director as well as the cast and crew on a job well done.
I heard afterwards that the show not only served to showcase the talents and skills of the performers but also provided an avenue for those both on stage and behind the scenes to gain valuable experience in their chosen fields of theatre, performances and design. The show linked first time performers with industry professionals and allowed a greater network to develop. It also demonstrated the support the wider circus community has for each other drawing from circus clubs and talent from around the area to assist both on and off stage.
Circusoc remains a unique collaboration of members both past and present. It is a place where you can go and feel safe to learn something new, something different. Something you can share with the world. Something, not many people can do.
After 20 years I remain a dedicated supporter of Circusoc and I look forward to each new venture. I encourage you to check them out whenever you get the chance. Book them for your next function, join them for their casual training sessions. Bring a skill home you never thought you could do… or share a skill you have with others.
And if you’re a member of Circusoc (past or present) I highly encourage you to keep the dream alive. Over the years hundreds of people have walked through your tent doors and have been inspired, and in turn become inspiring to others. You inspire me and I challenge you to keep doing so.
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Circusoc is what you make of it. And I am proud to see what they have made of it since I handed over the baton.
Thank you for letting me join you once more. I eagerly await your next exciting adventure.
Murray Henstock
Circusoc Founder
