“Circa” is a contemporary circus company based in Brisbane, Australia mixing choreography, humor, theatricality and inventive dramaturgy to create shows and experiences entirely unique. Although “Duck Pond” had at its’ core two well known fables, “Swan Lake” and “The Ugly Duckling”, the journey through the mash-up of these two stories was singular and arresting. Combining circus skills in tumbling, aerial, acrobatics and dance the ensemble brings each character to vivid life and new heights of heroism. They fly, they fall, they soar and excite, all while following a crooked pathway to the surprising end of both stories.
The new Executive and Artistic Director of The Soraya, Chad Hilligus welcomed one and all on Sunday, November 1, 2026 to the 3:00pm show. He mentioned Halloween, and the first day of Daylight Savings Time. Thankfully, only a very few folks were late to the show. He mentioned his excitement for the upcoming season at the Soraya which has plenty of dance in it. His was a lovely personal touch.
Circa – Rowan Allinson in “Duck Pond” – Photo by Paul Forrer.
The performers of Circa were: Rowan Allinson, Shea Baker, Maya Davies, Jordan Hart, Izzi Kessner, Oscar Morris, Luke Pearce, Sophie Seccombe, and Anais Stewart. This group relied upon each other for preps, launches, catching, spotting, and lifts which were all completed with inches to spare from disastrous results save for the expertise of them all. There were also whole sets of aerial choreography done with silks, on the lyra, and the aerial pole. These were all performed beautifully and artfully. The transitions were handled smoothly and the work compelling in its danger and complication. There were also beautiful moments of slow-motion choreography which worked well in unison. Within all of that circus movement was the narrative of the two stories slowly unfolding and becoming clear.
There is a Cupid present who, like the original in Greek Mythology, creates some havoc with a couple of well-placed love taps. There is a Prince who is smitten – twice! Once for the Ugly Duckling and then again for the Black Swan who tears him away from her. The Ugly Duckling is part of a humorous and decidedly garish duck family who exist far beneath the notice of the Prince. This was an entirely entertaining section of fun for the whole family and proven so by the many children in the audience enraptured and laughing. Then the Black Swan appears in fabulous ostrich feathers and wearing bright red six-inch pumps. There goes the Prince!
Circa – Rowan Allinson in “Duck Pond” – Photo by Paul Forrer.
At the Prince’s birthday ball the three of them circle each other and the Black Swan and Ugly Duckling each try to capture the attention of the Prince. He decides to follow the Black Swan. Meanwhile a transformation is taking place as the Ugly Duckling becomes a beautiful full-fledged swan. She returns and is captivated by the Black Swan. The Black Swan leaves the Prince and chooses the White Swan as partner. This actually makes more sense considering the difference in mammalian DNA. What is a swan supposed to do with a human? Anna Pavlova notwithstanding.
The poor Prince is left wondering and bereft while the two fabulous female swans walk off in each other’s company. There is an epiloque, but it was a casual breaking down of the stage and theater and served to remind us of the magic the theater produces. This also let the performers do some balances which were not dependent on the storyline of the show.
Shea Baker as the Ugly Duckling in Circa’s “Duck Pond” – Photo by Paul Forrer.
The production team for Circa is: Director, Stage Design | Yaron Lifschitz, who designed a gorgeous curtain on three sides of the stage sliced into sections creating a beautiful mosaic for the lighting. Composer and Sound Designer | Jethro Woodward, who made a soundscape every bit as compelling as the action taking place within it, Costume Designer | Libby McDonnell , who made spectacular costumes from the ducks to the sleek swan outfits which did not hamper the movement but helped to satisfy our recognition of the characters, and Lighting Designer | Alexander Berlage who muted color so beautifully on that curtain and provided the dramatic spots in the aerial work without endangering the performers vision. “Duck Pond” was an energetic and beautiful show with many gasps and laughs all while turning a couple of fairy tales on their heads. Well done Circa.
And speaking of recognition of the performers, it is customary these days to not have a physical program but to have a QR code available for the public to take a photo of. Heaven help you if you do not have a phone. I have one large problem with this set up. The Performers are listed with their biographies and headshot, great. However, the parts that they play onstage often are not listed. This was the case here. The Prince was excellent in his partnering and acting ability, unfortunately I cannot be sure who played him, as is the case with the Black Swan and the Cupid and the Ugly Duckling. Taking into consideration the make-up and costumes used, I would hate to make a mistake and misidentify someone who stood out for doing great work. This situation could be remedied with a simple list of characters and the names of who played them attached in the QR code. I have no idea why this is not general practice.
To learn more about Circa, please visit their website.
To see the entire performance season at The Soraya, please visit their website.
Written by Brian Fretté for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Shea Baker as the Ugly Duckling in Circa’s “Duck Pond” – Photo by Paul Forrer.
