YOUNG ARTISTS TAKE STAGE IN ECLIPSE, BUT ONE VOICE IS MISSING
8 June 2026
Young people are not just the future. They are helping shape it today.
On the 2nd – 4th July, CircusWA will premiere Eclipse, a contemporary circus production that places young artists at the heart of one of the most urgent conversations of our time: what kind of future are we creating, and what comes next?
Presented at the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia, Eclipse maps a path through the clamour of environmental destruction and political extremism, into a future of light and hope.
Originally devised by renowned Western Australian theatre maker Sally Richardson in 2022, the work has evolved over three years through a collaboration between CircusWA, the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) in Melbourne, and the South Australian Circus Centre. The result is a bold production that showcases the creativity and leadership of a new generation of artists.
Under the direction of physical theatre specialist Meredith Kitchen, Eclipse brings together youth and professional circus artists and singers in a production that invites the audience to reflect and imagine a future in which we can all thrive and grow.
CircusWA Artistic Director, Jo Smith, said the production demonstrates the critical role young people play in imagining and building a better future.
“Young people are inheriting a world facing unprecedented environmental and social challenges, yet they continue to bring extraordinary creativity, resilience and hope” Jo said.
“Eclipse gives young artists a platform to express their perspectives. They are not simply performers in this work; they have been central to its development and meaning.”
Alongside CircusWA’s Youth Academy, two singer-songwriters perform and sing original lyrics inside Louis Frere-Harvey’s rich sound composition.
ONE VOICE IS MISSING
CircusWA is deeply disappointed that one of the original production singers, Nigerian-born artist, Ayuba Sulaiman, will be unable to perform after his Visa application to return to Australia was denied.
Eclipse rehearsals, 2025: Director Meredith Kitchen, Singers Ayuba Musah & Maia Harcourt, Assoc Designer Stoz
Ayuba studied and lived in Perth for 8 years and was lead singer for award-winning multi-instrumental band TAB Family. In 2025, Ayuba was pivotal in the final development of Eclipse, co-writing lyrics and performing. Despite advocacy efforts to have a short-term Entertainment Visa approved for him to fly back to perform in this production, the application has been rejected.
“We are heartbroken that Ayuba will not be able to join us for the premiere of Eclipse,” said Jo.
“He is a talented young artist whose voice has weaved through Louis Frere-Harvey’s composition and shaped the story our young performers wanted to share. Through the arts we work to build understanding and connection locally and globally. Eclipse is about reflecting on the state of our world and with Ayuba, this story connects us to social and environmental dissonance as a global concern.”
CircusWA through our productions with youth performers, will continue to advocate for a more inclusive and welcoming Australia. We hope that one day our immigration system will catch up with the ambitions laid out in federal policies to ‘increase collaboration and partnerships between Australian and international Organisations/Individuals in the arts and culture sector.’
More than a performance, Eclipse is an invitation to reflect, connect and imagine a global future where communities can flourish together.
A present future. Be curious. Come explore.
EVENT DETAILS
CircusWA: Eclipse
State Theatre Centre of Western Australia, Studio Underground | 2–4 July 2026
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