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Circus Oz

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description Circus Oz Overview

Circus Oz is an Australian contemporary circus company founded in Melbourne in 1978 through the combination of two earlier performance groups. Its productions blend acrobatics, clowning, live music, satire, and ensemble-based theater, often addressing social or political subjects. The company emerged from Australia's alternative theater movement and became known for presenting human performance without animal acts to audiences in Australia and on international tours.

help Circus Oz FAQ

When was Circus Oz founded, and which groups formed it?

Circus Oz was formed in Melbourne in 1978 when Soapbox Circus joined with Adelaide's New Circus. The merger created an Australian contemporary circus company built around ensemble performance, music, and satire. [State Library Victoria](https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/soapbox-circus)

Where did Circus Oz first perform?

The company presented its first season at Flagstaff Gardens during Melbourne's Moomba Festival in 1978. The original lineup included artists connected with the Pram Factory and New Circus, with music from the Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band. [Encyclopedia of Melbourne](https://www.emelbourne.net.au/biogs/EM00349b.htm)

What is in a typical Circus Oz show?

Circus Oz combines acrobatics, aerial work, clowning, live music, and high-energy Australian comedy. Its ensemble model emphasizes performers who can move between several skills instead of separating the show into star acts. [Encyclopedia of Melbourne](https://www.emelbourne.net.au/biogs/EM00349b.htm)

Does Circus Oz use satire or political themes?

Yes. Soapbox Circus, one of its founding groups, described its work as 'Popular, Pointed, Political, Physical Theatre,' and Circus Oz has continued to address social awareness and gender equality. [State Library Victoria](https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/soapbox-circus)

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