Carla's Korero - 22/01/12

Kia ora koutou, talofa lava, nǐmén hǎo, Namaste and g'day.

I hope you all had a fabulous break over the Christmas and New Year period. We at the Festival took two weeks off to spend with family and friends before the madness descends on us. Now it feels like we haven't been away at all as everyone turns the energy up a cog as preparations hot up.

David and I went to Sydney last week for a few days to see shows for the future - there was some wonderful work - and to catch up with two of the shows we are bringing to our Festival.

Cantina is completely sold out in Sydney, every day there are queues, not just to get in but people are waiting for returns. David and I stood in the back, so as not to use any of their valuable seats, and watched again in awe as a woman walked in high heels not only on tightrope but also on one of the young men's chests. Painful and slightly titillating!! The male strip was beautifully done like an old black and white movie and with a real sense of humour. I had forgotten how wonderful the live soundtrack is throughout the whole show. The musician and some of the acrobats play a variety of instruments, like accordions and violins, so that with the acts, the costumes, the humour and the music, somehow I felt as if I was in a 1930's movie with Buster Keaton.  Don't miss Cantina, a great night in our very own New Zealand-built spiegeltent.

We also met up with Circolombia artists and saw their show Urban again. Jaw-dropping acrobatics, high voltage energy and a brazen attitude make this circus very special and not at all run of the mill. There are some scary-as moments. And we were delighted to find out that the artists are really looking forward to their season here in Auckland. David had his photo taken with some of the crew. He is determined, now, to start training, get fit and join the circus.

Have a wonderful week and bask in our beautiful city in summer over Anniversary weekend.

Nga mihi mahana

Carla