Circus Focus: But Wait... There's More!

Answered by: Matt Wilson

Briefly describe your role in the production: I'm an acrobat, musician and performer.

What are your special skills? I sing, I play guitar, bass and operate sonic textures via keyboard. As well as that, I do a few stunts, flying trapeze, pole climbing, juggling, acrobatics and a surreal chair balancing act. Sometimes my pants fall down too.

Why should people come to your show? For the same reason people have always come to the circus: to allow themselves a moment to lose themselves and celebrate all the wonderful and stupid things human beings are capable of. To have a laugh, to be entertained, and hopefully inspired!

Why did you first decide to get involved in circus? I never wanted a conventional job and the circus fascinated me. It always seemed outside of society. I was playing music and doing a bit of acting and circus was a niche where I could do both and more.

What's your pre-show ritual? Warm up the body, warm up the voice, preset props, warm up the brain. Eat a couple of red snakes.

When and where is your next round of shows? 17 — 19 Sep, IMB Theatre, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre; 23 — 26 Sep, Canberra Theatre; 1 — 3 Oct, Riverside Theatre.