Sappho, Pixie, Echo, no… they’re not names of characters in a new animated film, they are three of sixteen cast members who are in their own way very animated, and incredibly talented performers in the circus show Rhapsody, which opened last night in Prahran, at the NICA National Circus Centre.

Learning of the show being performed by last year students at the NICA, I must confess that, I expected a “pretty good” show maybe even a “nice” effort. It was not either, it was mind blowing fantastic!

Sappho the M.C./clown (no red nose or white face) lead us through the evening’s performance, which began with a tight rope walker… a bit shaky, but I believe intentionally so, walking the rope or leading us down the line into… Rhapsody! A theatrical interpretation of the cyber and real world we live in, and experience each day.

The music seemed a little hesitant at first. Then as the show unfolded, and the performers began their amazing acrobatics, the music embraced the audience and carried them from act to act, aiding in the narration of the story being conveyed - one of people connecting via the internet and in every day circumstances.

Depicted were, individuals longing for affection, bonding with others on the dance floor of a club and even experiencing rejection. Life encapsulated and interpreted by Flash Gordon and Blade Runner-inspired costume clad artists, who performed breath taking, seemingly physically impossible feats, choreographed to pin-point perfection, and interwoven with elaborate dance numbers which showed off their flexibility in all realms of movement.

The journey Rhapsody takes its audience on is one of wonder, amazement and exhilaration. This is a thoroughly entertaining experience for the young and all.

http://www.nica.com.au
NICA National Circus Centre
Green Street, Prahran
Dec 2 (Preview), 8pm
Dec 4 – 6 & 9 – 13, 8pm
Dec 4, 6 (SOLD OUT), 11, 13, 1.30pm
Tickets: Adults $27 | Concession $20 | Preview/Matinee $15 | Child (3-15yrs) $15 | Family (2 adults, 2 children) $70.00
Bookings: easytix.com.au or at the Halftix Office, Melbourne Town Hall, Melbourne
Enquiries: NICA (03) 9214 6975

History
NICA is a subsidiary company of Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia.
In 1999, NICA had it’s humble beginnings in a warehouse in the Docklands. Eight individuals completed a Diploma of Circus Arts in 2001, and all were employed with Australian companies the following year. Over 100 people auditioned from across Australia in 2001, for 23 available places to study the circus arts and earn a Bachelor’s degree in the field. The first graduates received degrees in 2003, for the three-year program. Today, there is over 60 students across three year levels.