Assume the position: Zoe Robbins, at top, performs in A4 Circus.
JAMES SAUNDERS
FROM a young age Zoe Robbins always wanted to run away and join the circus.
Instead her parents drove her there.
At 11 she found her calling after successfully auditioning for Albury’s Flying Fruit Circus.
“By the time I reached year 11, I knew what I wanted to do in life,” Robbins said.
In the years following she travelled and performed with various circuses across the country and even as far as Canada with her colleagues.
Then in 2009 Robbins found her place in the A4 Circus team as its skilled foot juggler.
She now performs in its new production, Downpour.
Guest director Anni Davey told the Independent Robbins was a “core member” of the group and a vital part of the act.
The A4 circus ensemble comprises four cast members: Robbins, Kali Retallack, Oliver Smith-Wellnitz and Thom Worrell.
Davey and costume designers Isaac Lummis and Tristan Seebohm are also part of the crew.
The team is back fresh after performing alongside the most elite and dynamic circuses from around the world at Montreal Circus Festival.
“It was amazing seeing such passionate and inspiring performances” Robbins said, “probably my most favorite place we have ever performed at.”
Downpour’s show includes everything from acrobatics and hula-hoops to human juggling balls.
“In our show it’s important that we tell a story through our skills,” Robbins said.
“Our story is a journey through love and humor that shows the transition from a child to adult.”
Russian fable White Night inspires the production, which uses creative visual imagery and central themes to convey its message.
A4 Circus ensembles performs Downpour at Drysdale Potato Shed on September 16.
