CircusWA's Eclipse tackles Anthropocene and visa hurdles for Nigerian artist

CircusWA's Eclipse, a contemporary circus production exploring the Anthropocene, opens in Perth on 2 July at Studio Underground, State Theatre Centre of WA. The dystopian fairy tale combines circus, original music, and narrative to examine sociopathy and hope through youth perspectives. However, Nigerian-born artist Ayuba SOQS, a key contributor who co-wrote lyrics and was to perform, is absent due to visa issues. Despite living in Perth for eight years, his Entertainment Visa was rejected, preventing him from joining the July performances. CircusWA Artistic Director Jo Smith advocates for youth artists, noting the company delayed the premiere hoping for SOQS's visa approval. His voice remains via recording. The production features young artists alongside professionals, aiming to correct biases against youth and circus arts. Eclipse's themes include environmental destruction and flawed humanity, conveyed through physical metaphor. Smith describes the show as moving from 'punk Mad Max' to hope. Future performances are planned for Melbourne and Adelaide.