What started as an after-school activity in Canberra has grown to a full-time job for acrobat Paul O’Keefe.
Mr O’Keefe will display his acrobatic abilities as a member of the Circa troupe bringing its new show On, by Circa to the Redland Performing Arts Centre at 7.30pm on May 27.
The show is described as contemporary circus at its best, as thrilling as it is moving.
For Mr O’Keefe, the show is a glowing example of trust and strength between its members.
“We have a lot of highly skilled acrobats on stage and what the show does is show our connection and our relationship,” he said.
“We all know the stakes of the show which is both challenging and rewarding.
“Every show pushes those boundaries, so the cast has to be focussed and have faith in one another.”
On by Circa follows eight strangers on stage whose lives cross in the courtyard of an apartment block.
There they fight, love, laugh and find moments of transcendence and beauty.
The show was created by Yaron Lifschitz with a score by Kethro Woodward and a lighting design by Paul Jackson. But it is the skill of the acrobats that keep it powerful.
“We are all there for each other. We minimise the sense of risk, but we work in a heightened state, always looking out for each other,” Mr O’Keefe Said.
“It requires strength, balance and flexibility.”
Mr O’Keefe said he started acrobatics when he and his sister joined a youth circus at age 10.
What started as an after-school activity grew from two to three days to five to six days a week and ultimately full-time work.
His wife is a fellow acrobat with the same company, although she is not part of this particular show.
“I enjoy working with people in a non-competitive environment. We share the same language and it takes time to develop the role,” he said.
Mr O’Keefe said while touring, every member had their own ways of maintaining fitness and focus.
“The show itself is an intensive workout, so the first show prepares you for the next,” he said.
Tickets are $25-$40 and can be booked on 3829 8131 or rpac.com.au. Booking fees apply.
