The Australian Calisthenics Theatre Company (ACTC) will premiere its 2025 arena spectacular Mother Nature in Adelaide this July, featuring Ten Tenors star JD Smith and empowering vocals and original music by local Chloe Castledine.
Mother Nature blends many elements of dance in a tribute to the unstoppable force of Mother Nature, through story, acrobatics and live music. The full 90 minute show features a cast of 120 elite dancers from across the country. This arena spectacular, presented by the Adelaide-based company, is the jewel in the crown of this year’s program.
In addition to Mother Nature, a documentary already pitched to the film industry in Los Angeles is in development under the guidance of award-winning music video director, Rich Coburn. He has worked with artists such as The Hilltop Hoods, A.B. originals and Elsy Wameo amongst others. The documentary is set to demonstrate behind the scenes of the company and the rise of taking calisthenics to the big time.
ACTC Artistic Director and Co-Owner, Brooke Brown, says Mother Nature is like nothing seen before across the Australian sport:
“Calisthenics is normally a sport based on rigid competition. We’re breaking through that by highlighting its theatrical side in an arena setting. Mother Nature is about showcasing the strength and power of this predominantly female sport.
Creating an opportunity where any calisthenics dancer across Australia can participate is our way to bring calisthenics out to the wider community. It also presents an opportunity for the elite in the sport, after their extensive years of training in all facets of dance, to do what they love on a commercial stage in front of a much bigger audience, without the pressure of a competition.”
The arena spectacular consists of six acts, delving deep into the themes of beauty, artistry and creation. Through stunning choreography and breath-taking effects, the performance will be set across two massive stages. It will feature a live orchestra and dazzling special effects from Adelaide’s own Novatech – a company committed to the arts.
The cast have been rehearsing both in person and virtually weekly. Chloe Castledine and David Goodwin from The Cast Score are composing original music, to be complemented by Chloe and JD Smith’s powerful vocals.
ACTC is also proud to showcase several Australian champions of the sport, including one of the principal dancers, Ayanna Burgan-Minniecon. Ayanna is a proud Indigenous performer who is ready to take to the stage as a triple threat in dancing, singing and acting.
The cast of 120 dancers range in ages from Aria Trestrail at eight years old through to 30-year-old Rachel Sheldon. There will be 580 costumes, with an estimated amount of 150,000 hand-sewn gems. This shows the dedication from those working behind the scenes.
Brooke and ACTC Co-Owner Carly Aherne have played a significant role in creating awareness for calisthenics, not only as an Australian-only sport, but introducing the beauty of it to those outside of the sport’s immediate community. In addition, they are passionate about providing training, development and commercial opportunities within to their cast members in South Australia and beyond.
Brooke is a seasoned professional with more than 35 years in the sport. She owns a calisthenics club and has featured in seven state/national teams as a competitor. Carly has represented South Australia in state/national teams six times and still competes with Marden Masters. Both are committed to growing calisthenics and trailblaze as pioneers in female sport.
Mother Nature is ACTC’s second production and part of their annual program. It will be performed at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre after last year’s inaugural stunning success at the Adelaide Festival Centre.
Mother Nature is presented by the Australian Calisthenics Theatre Company and runs 4 July 2025 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
It then runs in Melbourne on 5 December 2025.
Tickets on sale now through Ticketek!
Website: https://www.auscalisthenicstheatre.company/whats-on/mother-nature
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/auscalisthenicstheatre.co
Images supplied by the GAT Agency.
