The Circus Oz troupe has somersaulted back into the Big Top at Birrarung Marr in a highly entertaining show to delight all members of the family.

Circus Oz Big Top premiere of Model Citizens
The theme of this year's Circus Oz extravaganza is about being a Model Citizen in the lucky country - a rib-tickling look at the myths of every day life in Australia and what it means to be Australian.

Circus Oz - Model Citizens
As seen in previous Circus Oz performances, one would expect Model Citizens to err on the political side, but as usual, the troupe do so with their familiar tongue-in-cheek banter.
The story of Model Citizens follows tattooed pink-haired Captain Ruin who arrives on stage (to Australia) in a boat that happens to be an oversized matchbox.

Mitch Jones aka Captain Ruin in his matchbox
This is a common occurrence throughout Model Citizens, with the artists incorporating over-sized, everyday objects into their acts, such as:
Giant peg 'laundry day' acrobatics
A hilarious song ode the Weber BBQ complete with cask wine and a nod to the hipsters frying tofu
Huge irons used in a contortionist act
A performance involving the 'house of credit cards' to balance at high heights
Human-sheep and sheepdog shenanigans!

Sheep & sheepdog shenanigans
The story follows Captain Ruin's attempts to merge into society despite not quite fitting the mould. The show questions the (in)tolerance of Australian citizens and what it really means to try and fit in when you don't want to.
The political aspects of the story certainly relate to the adults in the audience, however the Circus Oz ensemble perform in a manner that speaks to even the youngest spectators.
Circus Oz - Model Citizens is a riveting show that is almost impossible to fault. Multi-talented musicians, singers and performing artists fill the Big Top with awe-inspiring acts and a belly full of laughs.

Violin playing Alexander Weibel Weibel on the slack ropes
Although hard to pick just one highlight of Model Citizens, the 'house of credit cards' and violin playing slack ropes balancing acts are 'up there' as two personal favourites.

Luke Ha on the House of credit cards
Book tickets for
Circus Oz Big Top premiere of Model Citizens at The Big Top at Birrarung Marr. You won't be disappointed.
Where: Birrarung Marr, Melbourne (between Fed Sq and Batman Ave)
When: 20 June - 16 July, 2017
Costs: $30 – $95 (plus booking fees)
Book: ticketek.com.au or call 136 100.
Web: www.circusoz.com
Circus Oz Fun Facts
Circus Oz is a 'rock ‘n’ roll, animal-free circus' that has influenced the development of circus arts around the world since its foundation in 1978.
Circus Oz undertook its first and critically praised international tour in 1980 and has continued touring to over 100 cities and regions in 27 countries – performing to over 4 million people.
Images credit Rob Blackburn
#All ages
#Circus