LIFE – IT’S A CIRCUS Two Performers. Countless Characters. One Wild Ride Through the Human Condition.
Venue: Double Teaching Space, Drama Classroom, Studio, Theatre, Hall
An energetic and thought-provoking theatrical adventure that fuses contemporary circus, physical theatre, clowning, and poetic storytelling. Through acrobatic antics, balancing chairs, lyrical interludes, improvisation, and pure theatrical joy, Life – It’s a Circus invites audiences to reflect on love, trust, fear, resilience, risk, and hope — the many balancing acts of life. A visually striking, emotionally rich, and philosophically playful experience that will leave audiences laughing, wondering, gasping, and inspired.
AUSTRALIAN CURRICULUM LINKS
Target Audience: Years 7–12
Supports cross-curricular learning in Drama, HPE, and General Capabilities
The Arts – Drama
Years 7–10 | Strands:
Developing understanding and practices
Explore how dramatic action, performance styles (physical theatre, clowning), and expressive skills are used to communicate real-life challenges and emotional journeys.
➤ ACADRM043, ACADRM049
Responding and interpreting
Analyse how meaning is shaped through action, gesture, movement, and relationships on stage.
➤ ACADRR046, ACADRR051
Apply dramatic languages and performance-making processes in devised ensemble work
Reflect on audience engagement and social commentary through live performance
Health and Physical Education (HPE)
Years 7–10 | Personal, Social and Community Health
Investigate strategies to manage emotional responses, strengthen relationships, and understand consequences
➤ ACPPS074, ACPPS093
Examine how connecting with others through creative performance supports mental and social well-being
➤ ACPPS076, ACPPS094
Senior Secondary – Health Studies / Personal Development:
Investigate themes of identity, risk-taking, resilience, and empathy through metaphor and physical expression
Understand wellbeing through creative arts, embodiment, and reflection
General Capabilities
Critical and Creative Thinking
Express complex ideas, feelings, and dilemmas using visual and physical metaphor
Evaluate the impact of theatrical choices on meaning-making and audience perception
Ethical Understanding
Explore moral dilemmas and consequences in a performative context
Engage empathy, reasoning, and imagination to understand different viewpoints
Personal and Social Capability
Build confidence, resilience, and adaptability
Understand and manage emotions through embodied learning
Foster empathy and cooperation through ensemble performance and audience connection
Style and Form
Physical Theatre – expressive storytelling through body and gesture
Circus & Comedy – balance, acrobatics, juggling of objects and ideas
Improvisation & Clowning – spontaneous interaction and direct audience engagement
Poetry, Song, Dance – emotional texture and narrative layers
Themes and Contexts
Relationships, Trust, and Friendship – navigating emotional bonds
Fear, Loss, and Betrayal – explored with theatrical empathy
Courage and Risk-taking – both literal and metaphorical
Consequences and Choices – unpacked through dramatic form
Love, Resilience, and Hope – celebrated in circus metaphors
Mistakes and Forgiveness – part of the human circus
Empathy and Imagination – the heart of the performance
Comic Relief and Truth – using laughter to unlock deeper insight
Performance History
Originally toured to Queensland Primary and Secondary schools through Artslink/Queensland Arts Council (2012–2013) to widespread acclaim. The work has been refined and reinvigorated for modern audiences, with a strong focus on curriculum alignment and deeper audience engagement for Years 7–12. “Life – It’s a Circus” is a powerful and flexible incursion or theatre excursion piece that complements classroom learning and sparks post-show dialogue around life, identity, and resilience – all delivered through the joy and precision of live performance.
Devised by: Allie Wilde and Nick Cilento Directed by: Allie Wilde and Nick Cilento
"Absolutely brilliant! The light and shade was very interesting... Students were engaged from start to finish. Extremely entertaining. Thank you very, very much!"★★★★★
- Eidvold State High School, QLD
"Amazing performance! You were able to deliver some extremely important messages in a mystifying performance. I would see it again! 5 Stars!"★★★★★