Exploring the darker side of circus

Exploring the darker side of circus.

A man, a woman and the seven deadly sins.

“First there was DeLaGuarda, then The Dome Spectaculars and now the beautiful Deadly.”
Lynn Gardner, The Guardian

The compelling chemistry between two Argentinean artists has inspired acclaimed circus director Deborah Pope to revisit Deadly, a work that she created 10 years ago in Brazil. Deborah Pope: “This is the work I am most proud of, because of the way it combines circus, theatre and dance. The complexity of the relationship it explores has moved audiences worldwide. In this virtual world of Facebook and email, Deadly is about the real physical and emotional connections, and disconnections, between people.”

Using circus, theatre and dance, Deadly explores the relationship of a couple using the theme of the seven deadly sins. Why the sins? Pope continues: “Like any real relationship, there are moments when we behave badly, selfishly, and the beauty of being in love is that your partner may see you at your worst but they (usually) forgive you. Deadly explores these tensions, and uses circus to do it.”

Some might wonder how on earth a form like circus can explore such intimate and dark themes. Positioning itself squarely outside of sequins, body paint and shine, Deadly is raw and visceral, and celebrates the beauty power and strength of the human form. “It’s beautiful, sensual and fierce. It’s a very demanding show to perform because of the chemistry and skills required. On top of being consummate circus performers and acrobats, they also need chemistry, to be able to act and move.”

After creating Deadly in Brazil in 1998, Deb and her performance partner toured throughout South America and Europe winning awards and rave reviews.
“ a devilishly good show, sexy and confident as it marries circus to drama with stupendous effect” The Guardian
“creating one stunning image after another, leaving the audience breathless with admiration for the beauty of the human form”. The Scotsman
“the definitive mark of Physical theatre” Jornal de Tarde, Sao Paulo 2002

Deborah has already proved that circus works well in Downstage with two hit seasons of her last show Adagio. The enthralling combination of jaw dropping acrobatics, stylish physical theatre and side splitting comedy was a hit with audiences and reviewers alike.



“Adagio was a great celebration of the enjoyment of circus. Following on with Deadly, we explore the darker theatrical side of circus. At times Deadly feels like you’re watching a beautiful movie and then all of a sudden these beautiful, sculptural bodies become completely real.”
Director: Deborah Pope (Adagio, An Adagio Christmas)
Performers: Virginia Molina, Rodrigo Osis

Deadly
Dates: 6-23 Oct
Times: 6:30pm Tue-Wed and 8pm Thu-Sat.
Matinee: 16 Oct Prices: $25 to $46.
Meet the Artists: Tue 12 Oct

Tickets can be purchased online, by phone at (04) 801 6946 or in person at Downstage’s box office. For up-to-date information visit www.downstage.co.nz Downstage is proudly sponsored by BNZ.
END



Rodrigo Osis (performer)
Rodrigo was born in 1977, Neuquen, Argentina. In 2000 - 2004 he trained intensively at the circus school La Arena, specializing in Chinese pole. In 2005, he joined the circus company La Arena and Premiered Sanos y Salvos, directed by Gerardo Hochman. In 2008 he performed in the show La Vuelta al Mundo.
Virginia Molina (performer)
Virginia was born in 1980, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Between 1999 and 2002 she trained at the circus school La Arena followed by further training in Belgiumcircus school ESAC, where she specialized in swinging trapeze. On her return to Argentina with the circus company La Arena the shows included Sanos y Salvos, directed by Gerardo Hochman.
Rodrigo Oses and Virginia Molina travelled to New Zealand in 2009 and performed in Happy Home Road at the Christchurch Arts Festival, Vector Wellington Circus Proms, Wellington Festival of Circus, Taupo International Arts Festival and Downstage.





Deborah Pope (director and creator)
Deb formed Awkward Productions in 2006 on her return to New Zealand. Her international circus theatre career spanned 25 years with festivals, artists and companies including Circus Oz, The Millennium Dome, The Royal Shakespeare Company, and The Royal Opera.
Awkward Productions has produced, with critical success, Adagio 2008 (Chapman Tripp Award), An Adagio Christmas (2009) , Adagio at the Erupt Festival 2010 and now Deadly , Downstage, 2010. It has also produced the Wellington Festival of Circus, 2006-10, The Wellington Vector Circus Proms and Stop No 60, and a new commission for Capital E Children’s Theatre.

© Scoop Media