Circa has today announced the Melbourne season of its genre-defying Duck Pond, following a sold-out season at London’s Royal Festival Hall and a recently announced season at the Sydney Opera House. Playing at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre from 14 January 2026, this mesmerising reimagining of Swan Lake and The Ugly Duckling unites classical ballet with contemporary circus in a breathtaking collision of artistry, acrobatics, and cheeky humour.
Tickets are on sale Thursday 4 September from 10am via duckpondmelbourne.com.au
Champagne in hand. The lights go down. Suddenly — you’re swept into a glittering collision of ballet, circus and pure theatrical brilliance. Duck Pond is a spectacle built for sharing, equal parts romance and exhilaration. A story you thought you knew, retold in a way you’ll never forget.
Created by Artistic Director and CEO Yaron Lifschitz, the 2025 recipient of the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) Distinguished Artist Award, Duck Pond unites the romance and beauty of classical ballet with the daring spectacle of
contemporary circus. With its soaring aerial artistry, masterful acrobatics, and the unrivalled skill of Circa’s ensemble, this extraordinary production is not to be missed.
As Australia’s most globally active performing arts company, Circa has captivated more than two million people across 45 countries and six continents. The Brisbane based company has forged a distinguished reputation as elite and emotive performers, redefining expectations of circus as an art form.
Circa’s award-winning performances have earned standing ovations, rave reviews and sold-out shows across six continents. Circa 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.
Circa are relentless in the way they push boundaries, blending movement, dance, theatre and circus. Under the visionary leadership of 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, Circa 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.
Circa’s extensive engagement programs, including Circa Academy, Circability and Circa Cairns (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.
Duck Pond is playing at the Sydney Opera House from 9 January. It then runs at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre from 14 January 2026.
Tickets: http://duckpondmelbourne.com.au
Website: https://circa.org.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/circapresents/
Hero image: Duck Pond photo by Damien Bredberg
Creatives Director, Stage Design Yaron Lifschitz. Composer and Sound Designer Jethro Woodward. Costume Designer Libby McDonnell. Lighting Designer Alexander Berlage. Associate Director Marty Evans. Dramaturg/Associate Choreographer Rani Luther. Voice Over Artist Elise Greig. Produced By Yaron Lifschitz, Shaun Comerford, Danielle Kellie, House of Oz. General Manager Duck Pond Melbourne Guy Ross.
Created by Yaron Lifschitz and the Circa Ensemble. Duck Pond is co-commissioned by QPAC and The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, The Art House Wyong, Frankston Arts Centre, HOTA – Home of the Arts, Merrigong Theatre Company and Orange Civic Theatre.
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.
