30 Years Under the Big Top

In 1978, the very first Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras was held, the Sydney Hilton bombing sent shockwaves around the country, and the Bee Gees had a global number one hit with Stayin' Alive. From this extraordinary cultural climate where political upheaval collided with disco balls, Circus Oz was born. Thirty years later the company is still very much a quintessential part of Australian cultural life.

Initiated in Melbourne, Circus Oz's founding members loved the skills and tricks of traditional circus but set out to create a new sort of show that a contemporary audience could relate to, adding elements of rock'n'roll, popular theatre and satire.

They sewed and welded together their own circus tent, gathered a collection of old trucks and caravans and hit the road. Promoting the principles of equality and team work, Circus Oz was a fresh and original voice in circus and the company was immediately popular with Australian audiences before going on to capture the imaginations of audiences all over the world.

To celebrate its 30^th birthday Circus Oz took to the road, and the sea, with a brand new show. The 30^th Birthday Bash season included an extensive regional Australian tour, the company's ninth tour of the UK and its first ever visit to Italy.

This milestone birthday year marked three successful decades of international touring which has seen Circus Oz break box office records at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, perform on 42^nd Street, bring joy to a refugee camp in the West Bank. Circus Oz shows have also been translated into several different languages, including Japanese, Hindi and Danish.

"International touring has been one of the great unsung success stories of Circus Oz," Artistic Director Mike Finch says. "Most Australians would not realise that we regularly act as Aussie cultural ambassadors, with successful seasons from New York to the Brazilian rainforest."

From Papua New Guinea to Hong Kong, Circus Oz has taken its unique performances of wit, grace and spectacle to 25 countries across five continents. It has never lost its commitment to the original spirit of multi-skilling and anarchic but disciplined creativity, and passionate support for gender equity and social justice.

Or as the San Francisco Chronicle described the troupe in 2007, "(they are) undeniably in your face, refreshingly progressive, unapologetically off-color and gleefully Australian."

Visit the Circus Oz website to find out more.