Image above credit Kate Disher-Quill
A simple shift can initiate momentum, an energy, revealing connection between all of us and the power we all possess to create change.
Every one of us is on a journey that begins with us – and ends with us. Connecting, disconnecting, reconnecting; every person we meet and every place we go changes us. Momentum delves into a world of seemingly unconnected individuals and events, in a place that is governed by the unavoidable and constant cycles of time and change.
An immersive circus performance, Momentum invites the audience to take a journey, experiencing moments of connectedness, change and possibility.
This bold work is performed by the Women’s Circus Inclusive Ensemble– a team with diverse identities, perspectives and experiences who come from practices spanning circus, dance and theatre.
Co-directors Jo Dunbar and Tarn Scully have both worked for decades in theatre and circus with deep roots in the intersecting worlds of arts and disability worked with the team using collaborative art making models exemplified by Weave Movement Theatre, Back to Back, Rawcus, and the UK’s renowned Extraordinary Bodies.
Co-commissioned by Arts Centre Melbourne & Metro Tunnel Creative Program. Supported by the Besen Foundation, Creative Victoria, Creative Australia and the Bowery Theatre.
Video: courtesy of Metro Tunnel Creative Program, credit Rat and Dragon.
Video: of the premiere season of Momentum at Arts Centre Melbourne as part of Alter State Festival, credit Jeska Stephens.
This critically acclaimed public performance, two years in the making, premiered at Arts Centre Melbourne as part of Alter State Festival in 2022. Alter State is a major disability arts festival celebrating contemporary art and live performance by artists from Australia and Aotearoa (NZ).
Audiences and passersby were given a front row seat to contemporary circus performed by the ensemble who activated the surrounds and external building of the Arts Centre’s iconic building.
Wall running, globe walking, tissu slings and wheelchairs rigged from the top of walkways were brought to life through beautiful choreographed movement sequences and an accompanying soundscape designed by Sharyn Brand that audiences could listen to via headsets.
The season of Momentum was reimagined for inside the Bowery Theatre, giving the work a distinctly different look and feel. The show as a uniquely immersive audience experience – the audience was guided around the theatre space by the both the cast and Women’s Circus guides, prompting them to experience the work from different angles and perspectives.
Accessibility was imbedded into the season; the show was Auslan interpreted including social interpreting, and captioned in English, Vietnamese and Tagalog. Hearing loop was available, as well as haptic vibration vests offering 24 touch points of vibration on different parts of the body tuned to the various musical instruments of the score – an Australian first.
All photos above credit Kate Disher-Quill.
All photos above credit Tiffany Garvie.
Behind the scenes with the ensemble devising and rehearsing in Women’s Circus training space.
All photos above credit Theresa Harrison Photography
Momentum was made possible through the generous support of our funders and partners:
