★★★★☆
Whenever I see the words ‘Circa presents’ on a production announcement, I know I want to go. Having seen a couple of Circa productions this year, I was looking forward to Show Me Love, on as part of Melt Festival.
This world premiere was quite different from the previous productions I’ve experienced. Described as capturing the feeling of finding yourself in others, Show Me Love promised an evening that was a little out of the ordinary.
The evening began with a crowded foyer at Brisbane Powerhouse, as the audience waited for an announcement that the show was about to commence and that we should follow the lights.
Suddenly, performers emerged from the stage doors, some standing on one another’s shoulders, gesturing for the audience to follow them… outside. And off we went on a little adventure.
Along the way, it felt as though we were wandering through a series of living art installations. A ghostlike performer reached out for help, while another observed themselves in a mirror before holding a handstand as the audience walked past.
Our journey took us through the loading dock of Brisbane Powerhouse and into the Fairfax Studios, where the Bloodlines exhibition currently resides. Except, on this particular evening, the space was occupied by two sequinned performers wandering around.
As previously mentioned, it was like walking through a collection of living, breathing art exhibits, with something unusual waiting around every corner. We continued through the tunnels and various spaces of Brisbane Powerhouse before eventually making our way into the theatre.
On entering the theatre, we were greeted with full nightclub vibes. A handful of performers were already on stage, quite literally dancing like nobody was watching. One point of difference from the other Circa productions I have seen was DJ Sveta, who was on the decks mixing music throughout the show.
Eventually, the full cast made their way onto the stage, welcoming the audience with an upbeat dance number featuring plenty of tricks, flips and acrobatic flair.
As you would expect from Circa, the production was packed with impressive feats of acrobatic skill. From silks and swings to hula hoops, the performers showcased incredible strength, flexibility and confidence.
Watching what these performers can do with their bodies is always awe-inspiring. I also thoroughly enjoyed the costumes worn by the principal performers. You really can’t go wrong with colourful, sequinned booty shorts. In fact, I started wondering whether they had borrowed a few pairs from my own wardrobe.
The evening eventually ended with the audience being ushered back out into the foyer, where the finale took place. All the weird and wonderful characters we had encountered throughout the evening came together for one last dance number, bringing the experience full circle.
Show Me Love was certainly an experience. From the unexpected journey through Brisbane Powerhouse to the acrobatics, music and larger-than-life characters, the production was a spectacle for the eyes, ears and soul. It was immersive, playful and wonderfully unexpected. Just the kind of evening you hope for when Circa is involved.
Show Me Love was created by Yaron Lifschitz and the Circa Ensemble. It ran for a limited season as part of 2026 Melt Festival at the Brisbane Powerhouse. The season has now ended.
Website: https://www.melt.org.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/melt.fest/ and https://www.instagram.com/circapresents/
Photo credits: SomeFX
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