Circa returns to Arts Centre Melbourne with their electrifying Humans 2.0

Circa returns to Arts Centre Melbourne with their global acrobatic smash hit Humans 2.0 from 14 – 24 May in the Playhouse fresh from celebrating their 20-year anniversary last year.

Circa’s reputation precedes itself for being at the forefront of the new wave of contemporary Australian circus, redefining the art form by showcasing how extreme physicality can forge powerful and emotive experiences. They have captivated audiences in over 45 countries and reached more than two million people, pushing boundaries, blending movement, dance, theatre and circus.

Photo by Yaya Stempler

Under the visionary leadership of Yaron Lifschitz, and in collaboration with their extraordinary ensemble of circus artists, Humans 2.0 is the next chapter of Circa’s internationally acclaimed Humans – a work that explored the physical limits of the body by pushing it to its extremities.

Humans 2.0 is intimate, primal and deeply engaged with the challenge of being human. It poses the question: can we ever find a perfect balance, or is adapting to constant change the only way forward?

This is next level circus by Circa. Be enthralled by 10 bodies on stage as they appear in a flash of light, move in harmony for a fleeting moment and then descend into a sinuous trance. Towers grow and decay, bodies leap and are caught, as physical limits are pushed to their extreme.

Audiences will marvel at the symphony of acrobatics with tightly woven choreography pulsing with music by composer Ori Lichtik and revealed in Paul Jackson’s dramatic lighting.

Humans 2.0 premiered in Sydney in 2021 and will begin their Europe/USA tour in March before arriving in Melbourne for its only Australian performance this year.

“Jaw-dropping, seat-clawing and armchair-exhausting” – ArtsHub

“… spellbinding physical drama, with just the right amount of play, death-defying tricks and whimsical imagery” – The Conversation

“...pushes the boundaries of what circus and acrobatics can be” – Time Out

“There is circus – and then there is Circa.” – Theatre Travels

About Circa

Circa is one of the world’s great performing arts companies. Since 2004, they have called Brisbane, Australia, home while touring the world, captivating audiences in over 45 countries and reaching more than two million people. Their award-winning performances have earned standing ovations, rave reviews and sold-out shows across six continents.

Everything they do is fuelled by their core values: quality, audacity, humanity. They are at the forefront of the new wave of contemporary Australian circus, redefining the art form by showcasing how extreme physicality can forge powerful and emotive experiences. They are relentless in the way they push boundaries, blending movement, dance, theatre and circus

Under the visionary leadership of visionary Yaron Lifschitz, and in collaboration with their extraordinary ensemble of circus artists, they craft a diverse array of productions that constitute “a revolution in the spectacle of circus” (Les Echos). Each year they tour their shows across the world and premiere multiple new creations. They are a staple at prestigious festivals and venues in New York, London, Berlin and Montreal as well as throughout Queensland and across Australia.

Their extensive engagement programs, including Circa Academy, Circability and CircaCairns (a First Nations-led circus initiative) provide access, participation and professional development outcomes. They have delivered major projects including the Creative Lead on the Commonwealth Games Festival 2018 and managing Artour for the Queensland Government.

Acknowledgements

Humans 2.0 is commissioned by The Mondavi Center, UC Davis.

Circa acknowledges the assistance of the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

Circa is based in Meanjin (Brisbane) on the lands of the Jagera and Turrbal people.

Creative Team

Director: Yaron Lifschitz

Original Music: Ori Lichtik

Lighting Designer: Paul Jackson

Costume Design: Libby McDonnell

Technical Director: Jason Organ

Arts Centre Melbourne presents Humans 2.0 by Circa

Created by Yaron Lifschitz and the Circa Ensemble

Dates: 14 – 24 May 2025

Duration: 70 minutes (no interval)

Location: Playhouse

Age Recommendation: 8+

For more information and tickets, visit: artscentremelbourne.com.au