Circa's New Circus Show: A Unique Take on Shaun the Sheep

Circa, the renowned Australian contemporary circus group, has launched a new production that creatively adapts the beloved children's character Shaun the Sheep. Artistic director Yaron Lifschitz describes the show as a family drama that draws parallels to the Oresteian trilogy, albeit in a lighter, more comedic tone. The performance is not a traditional Greek epic or a state-of-the-nation drama, but rather a fun circus experience that captures the antics of Shaun and his flock at Mossy Bottom Farm.

The Guardian

The collaboration between Circa and Aardman Animations, the creators of Shaun the Sheep, emerged from a shared vision. Lifschitz noted that both companies possess an "offbeat weirdness" and a commitment to creativity. He expressed a desire to create quality theatre for children, criticizing much of the existing children's theatre as lacking depth and realism. Lifschitz emphasized the importance of mischief and anarchy in Shaun the Sheep, which resonates with the absurdity found in Kafka's works.

The Guardian

The 80-minute performance is structured in two halves: the first mimics a series of episodic adventures, while the second transitions into a more traditional circus showcase featuring tumbling, juggling, and aerial acts. Lifschitz and his team meticulously analyzed the animated series, extracting humor and scenarios to develop the show. The production incorporates clips from the television series, enhancing the connection to the original material.

The Guardian

Aardman's commitment to storytelling rigor influenced the production significantly. Lifschitz acknowledged the challenges of adhering to Aardman's high standards, particularly regarding character design, which included precise specifications for the sheep costumes. This attention to detail led to some "robust" discussions, such as the decision to dial back a scene where a sheep shears itself in a provocative manner. Lifschitz, who typically favors a more abstract approach to circus art, recognized the value of dramaturgical rigor in enhancing the overall experience.

The Guardian

Lifschitz's critique of children's theatre highlights a broader concern about the quality of productions aimed at younger audiences. He believes that many shows fail to reflect the complexities of real life, opting instead for overly simplistic narratives. His collaboration with Aardman aims to challenge this norm by presenting a show that balances humor with a deeper understanding of societal dynamics.

The Guardian

• “It’s kind of a minor key, gently comic version of the Oresteian trilogy.” — Yaron Lifschitz, Artistic Director, Circa

The Guardian

• “I think a lot of theatre for children is frankly pretty bad,” — Yaron Lifschitz

The Guardian

• “They were punctilious in how things were set up and explained in a way I didn’t need,” — Yaron Lifschitz

The Guardian

This innovative production by Circa not only entertains but also invites audiences to reconsider the narratives presented in children's theatre, blending humor with thoughtful storytelling.

The Guardian