FAMOUS: NICA's 3rd year ensemble (SOLD OUT)
They say that ‘fame is a fickle food upon a shifting plate’, and yet nothing tastes sweeter than the nectar of forbidden fruit. Like moths to a flame, fame draws in its subjects only to leave them scorched by the spotlight.
In this circus-theatre show of the century, a posse of egomaniacs discover that the road to hell is paved with red carpet and a god complex can only get you so far.
Trapped in a never-ending cycle of posing, smiling, and waving to adoring fans, for whom, the novelty never seems to cease - will our celebrities escape their prison, or risk it all and ascend until they’re immortalised amongst the stars?
Tumble, twirl, and fly in the shoes of the rich and famous as they perform acts of swinging trapeze, Chinese pole, acrobatics and more in their third-year ensemble show, Famous.
Our young divas thrive under the direction of prolific multidisciplinary artist, Carita Farrer Spencer (Pescado, NICA 2015), whose professional career spans three decades full of enviable collaborations.
Draped in Savanna Wegman’s designs (Biographica, Lyric Opera Theatre Works) with the assistance of Melbourne Polytechnic costume design students, the wardrobe exudes luxury with its cleverly crafted textiles and considered embellishments. With iconic faces designed and painted by Melbourne Polytechnic makeup students.
The stage - sentient, attitudinal, and questionably motivated - is constructed by NICA alum and established set designer, Tim Rutty (GRIM, 2023).
A feverish mixtape by musical maestro Darius Kedros (THIS, Rising Festival 2023) adds the appropriate amount of oomph to this celebrity soap opera.
And shedding light on scenes of chaos is Spencer Herd (Frame Narrative, Old Fitz Theatre 2024), live performance lighting designer with an eye for detail so sharp it makes 20/20 vision look like an ocular impairment.
An Oscar-worthy performance of opulence and grandeur, Famous is toxic, delusional, batty, and brilliant.
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NICA is Australia’s Centre of Excellence for training in contemporary circus arts and proudly one of eight national arts training institutes (Arts8).Content Warning: PG 13+ (parental guidance recommended).
The show may contain references to adult themes, loud music, fire and smoke haze.
SESSION TIMES
Thursday 13 June 7.30pm (preview)
Friday 14 June 7.30pm (opening night)
Saturday 15 June 7.30pm
Tuesday 18 June 7.30pm
Wednesday 19 June 7.30pm
Thursday 20 June 7.30pm
Friday 21 June 7.30pm
Saturday 22 June 2.00pm (matinee)
Saturday 22 June 7.30pm (closing night)
LOCATION
National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA)
39-59 Green Street, Prahran Victoria 3181
COVID INFORMATION
We request that while attending this event you maintain NICA's Key COVIDsafe Principles:
- Stay home if you are unwell. Even if you have tested negative. You may be turned away and issued a refund.
- Maintain physical distance where possible (NICA cannot guarenteed this in all spaces, so please bring a mask.)
- Practice good hygiene.
- Avoid interactions in enclosed spaces.
Patrons are not permitted at the event if they have been instructed to quarantine by the Department of Health, or if they are unwell or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. Please contact info@nica.com.au for a refund or transfer if required. This includes anyone who is a close contact.
In the event of cancellation due to advice from public health officials, all patrons will receive a transfer or full refund of their ticket price.
If you have any queries, please contact us on (+613) 9214 6975 or email info@nica.com.au
ACCESSIBILITY
- Entry on street level - entire space including entrance points, is wheelchair accessible
- The only stairs in the building is the tiered seating in the theatre. If you are using a wheelchair, a front row seat on ground level will be arranged - please let us know at the time of booking
- Inside the theatre, there will be a stage to the left and a seating bank to the right
- Outdoor space available to audience members near the entry of the venue
- Hard, non-carpeted flooring throughout
- This space can be quite loud and crowded
- Support animals will be allowed
- Free drinking water provided
- Carers and support people can attend the show for free, please contact us to arrange
Accessibility toilet:
- Handrails, hand basin with accessible tap handle, hand dryer at appropriate height for wheelchair use & angled mirror
- Dimensions 2.3 m x 1.9 m
- Entrance door width 850 mm, accessibility toilet corridor width 1.6 m, corridor entrance 1 m (no door)
- Distance from corridor entrance to toilet door 1.5 m, from toilet corridor to theatre main entrance is 17 m
- Entry to the bathroom requires no key
- There are handles and latches on the bathroom doors
CONTACT DETAILS
Alternatively, get in touch with us via:
Telephone (+613) 9214 6975
Email info@nica.com.au
PARKING AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Please note there is limited on street car parking availability around NICA. If departing our venue late at night, please respect our neighbours and keep noise to a minimum. Please obey parking street signs and restrictions.
Stonnington Council operates a number of outdoor car parks that are a short walk from NICA.
These include:
- Windsor Station Carpark, 28 Chapel Street - ticketing paid parking, Monday - Sunday all day
- James Street Carpark, 8 Lincoln Place - free 2 hour parking, Monday - Saturday 9am - 6pm
Trams and Trains:
From Flinders Street Station take the Sandringham Line train to Windsor or Prahran Stations. The Number 6 Glen Iris Tram runs along Swanston Street. The closest stop is on the corner of High and Chapel Streets. Trams operate from 5.30am to 12.00pm midnight and with extended services available on Friday and Saturday nights. Visit metlinkmelbourne.com.au for timetable information.