Circa’s Humans 2.0 stretches the limits of human bodies, with thrilling results

Posted on 10 April, 2024

There are probably many times throughout the day that you think about the apparent limitations of your body.

First thing in the morning? Joints too stiff and sore. Trying to wrangle multiple kids? Not enough arms. Trying to carry too many groceries? Not strong enough. And the list goes on.

But do you ever stop to think of all the things the human body actually can do?

Humans 2.0 is an exhilarating next-level circus show that will leave you in no doubt about just how incredible the human body can actually be.

Australian contemporary circus company Circa premiered their show Humans back in 2017, which took audiences on a journey of what it means to be human, and exploring the physical limits of the human body. The show went on to become an international hit.

And now Humans 2.0 takes this even further.

Photo: Lesley Martin.

Since it premiered at Sydney Festival in 2021, Humans 2.0 has toured all over the globe – and Canberrans finally get their chance to see it when it comes to Canberra Theatre Centre from May 2 – 4.

Directed by Yaron Lifschitz, the show is a tightly woven choreography of bodies, with 10 performers pushing physical limits to the extremes in a symphony of acrobatics, sound and light. Circa Associate Director Ben Knapton says it’s an intimate, primal and deeply engaged exploration into the challenge of being human.

“For Humans 2.0 the idea was, let’s take 10 of our acrobats and put them on stage for nearly the entire time. There are these little breathers, there are three beautiful aerial acts. But the rest of the time, it’s pretty much 10 acrobats on stage the whole time,” he says.

“We’re very fortunate to work with lots of acrobats who are at the top of their game. The show is definitely demanding and Humans 2.0 in particular, they’re really out there in front of the audience for 65 minutes. It’s very thrilling contemporary acrobatics,” he says.

Photo: Lesley Martin.

It makes for a show that Ben says has audiences of all ages absolutely captivated for the entire duration.

“I think the thing about the show is it’s really happening in front of you. It is dangerous, it is high skill, and it’s very real. Our acrobats are, to be honest, not particularly good at pretending to do things. They’re very good at actually doing things on stage”

“So you’re kind of drawn to that, because it’s dangerous, and at the same time, it’s kind of poetic. And it’s communicating with its audience at the same time as being this risky, outrageous thing that bodies can do on stage,” he says.

“I’ve worked with Circa for 14 years now, and I am still often shocked by what these bodies can do in a space.”

Photo: Lesley Martin.

Coupled with beautiful costume design by Libby McDonnell, lighting by Paul Jackson, and driven by a pulsing soundtrack by DJ Ori Lichtik, Humans 2.0 makes for quite the spectacle.

“You’re sitting on the edge of your seat most of the time. I think it’s kind of this beautiful mix of thrilling, poetic and visually spectacular that really draws people to it.”

Feature image: David Kelly