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Images from Pia Johnson
Feathers will fly for Mackay audiences when Circa’s Duck Pond arrives to the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) on 6 May, reimagining Swan Lake as a contemporary circus spectacular.
Directed by Yaron Lifschitz, the production is packed with Circa’s signature physicality and a bold, playful energy.
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Replacing classical ballet with aerials, acrobatics and tightly choreographed ensemble work, Duck Pond delivers spectacle with a wink. Cheeky visual moments - including a sequinned, flipper-wearing duck army and a burlesque Black Swan - bring humour and surprise to the stage.
While the energy is high, the story remains central. Drawing on the familiar tale of swans and hapless princes, the production balances athletic performance with warmth and wit.
"Grappling with a masterpiece like Swan Lake is terrifying. Everyone knows the Dance of the Cygnets and the 32 fouettés," says Circa Artistic Director Yaron Lifschitz.
"Our role is to bring them into circus and into the twenty-first century. Circus is nowhere near as precise or as refined as ballet. It tends to be shaggy, possibly more exciting, but definitely less elegant. We have to dance that line with as much grace as we can muster." said Lifschitz.
Andrew Bobeldyk, Executive Manager of Major Venues, said the production offered something unique for Mackay audiences.
“Ballet and circus perform exceptionally well in Mackay, and Circa’s distinctive approach makes this production even more special,” he said.
“We’re proud to bring Duck Pond to Mackay and strongly encourage audiences to see Circa in action,” Bobeldyk said.
Touching, funny and thoroughly entertaining, Duck Pond is ultimately a story about identity and finding your true self - offering Mackay audiences a fresh and unexpected take on a beloved classic.
Duck Pond by Circa will perform one show only on 6 May. Tickets are on sale now.
The MECC and Circa present – Duck Pond
Wednesday 6 May, 7.30pm
MECC Auditorium
Tickets: www.themecc.com.au
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