Duck Pond- Circa

The prestigious Australian company Circa reimagines Swan Lake and The Ugly Duckling

A contemporary, circus-style reimagining of Swan Lake by the Australian company Circa. The show blends acrobatics, aerial acts, humour and a vibrant aesthetic to tell a story about identity, transformation and authenticity.

Circa is one of the world's leading performing arts companies, based in Australia, and has toured the globe captivating audiences in over 45 countries and reaching more than two million people. It has revolutionised contemporary circus by fusing dance, theatre and movement. Under the direction of Yaron Lifschitz, its productions stand out for their audacity, emotion and high visual impact, and have been internationally acclaimed for their creativity and theatrical power.

Prologue

Cupid appears in a flash.

Act 1: The Palace

It is the night before the Prince's birthday. The palace is full of friends, prospective partners and all kinds of guests given over to celebrations featuring acrobatics. An accident during a pillow fight interrupts the fun.

Cupid guides the Prince to meet the Ugly Duckling. Unexpectedly, they fall in love. Their fascination unfolds through acrobatic duets.

But reality intervenes. A humble duck and a royal prince? It could never work. The Ugly Duckling is comforted by an Army of Ducks.

Then the Black Swan arrives, covered in sequins and heels. The Prince is immediately captivated and chooses her as his partner. Everyone is invited back to the ball.

Act 2: The Lake

A lake. Swans up and down.

The Ugly Duckling, the Prince and the Black Swan circle around one another. Abandoned, the Ugly Duckling launches towards the swans. She flies. It turns out she was a swan all along.

The Black Swan appears and seduces everyone. She chooses the White Swan. The Prince is left confused and alone.

Friends and guests return to celebrate the union.