Caitlin Crowley spoke with Ailsa Wild one of the cast members of Pirated!
Pirated! is a pirate-themed circus show. What kind of circus skills can we expect?
There will be juggling (of all kinds of things including coconuts and very shiny knives), rola bola, and a whole bunch of acro-balancing and acrobatics, as well as clowning and slapstick.
All performers Cleo, Ailsa and Christy have worked at Westside Circus teaching circus skills to kids. How has that influenced you when creating this show?
We originally were going to make a show for adults, which is what we usually do, but decided to make it a show which was child friendly because of the kids we teach at Westside. We all love our kids’ classes and wanted them to see the work we do. It’s a great chance for them to be inspired by what they can do with their training and to witness what their circus trainers are capable of. Years of teaching them have given us a big sense of what they enjoy and what makes them laugh, which has been really useful in the devising process. We have also been consciously considering adults as we make the show – we want it to be something folks our own age and older are absorbed in, entertained by and take something away from.
There haven’t been a lot of circus-themed shows in recent years in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, what made you decide to get involved?
It was precisely because of this. It looked to us like there was room for circus in the comedy festival and we were excited about filling that gap. Also, the three of us really like playing clown characters and have had a lot of fun learning slapstick, both of which have been an important part of creating Pirated! Clown and slapstick are the places where circus and comedy meet, so the comedy festival is a perfect place for this show.
What is the difference between a circus show for adults and a circus show for kids?
Often circus shows are for children, the reason being the magic and hilarity of it appeals to lots of kids. Pirated! is child friendly because it tells a story which will appeal to children and because the characters are familiar and funny, the show is as much about the story these characters live through and the dilemmas they have as it is about the (very fun) tricks we do. The Courthouse is going to be a great venue for kids, because it’s small and they will all be close to the stage while we perform.
What ages do you think will most enjoy Pirated! And is dressing up encouraged?
I have a friend who is nearly three who I know is going to love this show, and so, I think, will her grandmother. Dressing up is definitely encouraged. We hope to see as many pirates as possible in the audience!
Visit the comedy festival website for bookings and further details