Presented by Melbourne ensemble One Fell Swoop Circus, By a Thread will return to Fringe World this month. Ahead of the work’s encore season, co-director and performer Charice Rust explains what makes this show soar.

This article is sponsored content.

Seesaw: What is the philosophy behind your circus ensemble One Fell Swoop?
Charice Rust: In our work we aim to connect with audiences on a level deeper than spectacle, to give them an intimate experience of acrobatics. They might never actually try to climb a rope themselves, but I’m certain everyone has had a moment in their life where they have felt that they are struggling to hang on, to pull themselves up, bit by bit, to keep aiming higher. Even though acrobatics might seem so out of the ordinary, we try to relate to people’s lives through this show. This also means letting them share in the joy you can get out of throwing yourself, acrobatically or figuratively, into someone else’s arms.

S: You first brought By a Thread to Fringe World in 2017. What brings you back in 2020?
CR: Fringe World was the first festival we took By a Thread to, so we were super excited to be asked by the Festival to headline their new hub at the Girls School in 2020. We can’t wait to perform our show in a 1930s Egyptian art deco old girls school that looks like a castle! Fringe World, its atmosphere, its variety, its adventurous audiences, has a special place in our hearts.

S: Tell us about By a Thread.
CR: In By a Thread we use a single piece of rope, 30 metres long. This rope hangs down like two ropes in a gym. However instead of being rigged to the roof, our rope is hung between two pulleys and so the two ropes become a counterweight system. If an acrobat climbs one of the ropes, the rest of the ensemble must provide an equal force on the other rope to keep them from falling. Instead of rigging and hardware, it is the hands and muscles of the ensemble that keep each other in the air. This was such a perfect physical manifestation of relationship or connectedness that we built our whole show about relating to others. The audience follows the performers through moments of confusion, hilarity, romance, playfulness, fear and friendship.

S: Who will enjoy By a Thread?
CR: By a Thread will appeal to anyone attracted to the spectacle of circus, but who is also looking for a slightly cooler, more artsy experience. By a Thread is definitely appropriate for all ages and is a great night out for all.

S: Tell us about the creative/rehearsal process for the show…
CR: We spend a lot of time getting to know the apparatus itself – the system of rope and pulleys is quite unique and sometimes feels like another (particularly cheeky) ensemble member. We have a great acrobatic blooper reel of mishaps with the rope which you can find on our Facebook page.

We work very hard trying to be graceful and coordinated doing acrobatics, but of course with live performance, sometimes things happen and you get someone else’s sweat in your mouth.

S: What are you looking forward to seeing/doing at Fringe World
2020?
CR: We can’t wait to get out in Fringe World and see our performer friends doing what they do best. Fringe World brings together our performer community from touring all over the country and the globe. It’s a great time. We’re also looking forward to being audience members in some of our favourite shows like Casting Off by A Good Catch, and Yuck Circus.

S: What is your favourite playground equipment?
CR: Ropes (duh!)

By a Thread plays Main Hall at Girls School, 21 January – 9 February, 2020.

“The Fringe Sessions” is an annual series of Q&A interviews with artists who will be appearing at Fringe World. Stay tuned for more!

Seesaw offers Q&As as part of its suite of advertising and sponsored content options. For more information head to www.seesawmag.com.au/contact/advertise