Eclipse
Showcasing the strength and creativity of young people navigating their world, Eclipse is performed by youth and young adults from our Youth Performance Academy and the National Institute of Circus Arts (Melbourne). The fusion of circus arts, physical theatre, and live music will immerse audiences into a sensory experience which has the power to inspire and empower all.
What is eclipse?
Eclipse is a contemporary circus production which maps a path through the clamour of environmental destruction and political extremism, into a future of light and hope.
Eclipse tackles urgent issues including climate change and mental health, resonating with young people’s concerns about the future. This timely, innovative approach through circus arts engages communities and sparks meaningful conversations about these critical topics.
Set against a backdrop of the Anthropocene — a time defined by human impact on the Earth — Eclipse imagines a world beyond it and asks: How do we create a world where we can thrive, grow, and renew ourselves?
The central set, a large floating tent made of smaller tents, represents displacement and transformation, symbolising hope and renewal. The performance is enhanced by an immersive sound score and live singers, creating a multisensory experience to inspire audiences, amplify youth voices, and foster inclusivity.
Eclipse provides a platform for young artists to engage with professional circus arts practitioners, collaborate with peers, and develop their skills in a creative and supportive environment. It’s a powerful catalyst for connection, empathy, and social change.
Hear what Eclipse means to CircusWA’s Academy Performers
Creative Team
CONCEPT: Sally Richardson
DIRECTOR: Meredith Kitchen (Ben Sheen: Co-Director 2022-23)
ASSOC. DIRECTOR: Steph Pick
SKILLS COACH: Ben Kotovski-Steele
DESIGNERS: Eloise Kent & Angelica Rush
ASSOC. DESIGNER: Stoz
LIGHTIING DESIGNER: Jolene Whilbey
RIGGING DESIGNER: Ben Kotovski-Steele
COMPOSER: Louis Frere-Harvey
SINGERS & LYRICISTS: Ayuba SOQS and Maia Harcourt
PROFESSIONAL CIRCUS PERFORMERS: Rindi Harradine, Michael McDonald, Ben Kotovski-Steele
2026 YOUTH PERFORMERS: Amity Polmear, Ava, Edwards, Farrah Holster, Jack Pike, Kirra Murphy, Luca Yates, Odette Ryan, Tayrona Arias
Developing the show
The first phases of Eclipse are complete, with the foundational planning, research, and development in Fremantle now behind us. In early 2025, our Youth Academy collaborated with NICA’s graduating students in Melbourne, refining their skills and deepening their understanding of the work. This development stage also introduced two soulful singers whose voices added another dimension to the experience of the performance.
July 2025 saw the production continue to take shape in Fremantle, for presentation at local festivals, before sharing our unique creative process through workshops with Perth youth arts companies later in the year, opening dialogue on global environmental issues and empowering the next generation of artists.
The Vision
The journey culminates in February 2026 with the full production to be presented in Perth. With enough funding the ensemble will then tour the work to Adelaide (home of Director Meredith Kitchen) and NICA, Melbourne, where the work started its first development stages.
Eclipse performances take place as part of CircusWA’s ongoing commitment to celebrating diversity and talent in the arts. If you would like to support our mission to see our incredible team of artists bring Eclipse to the stage, subscribe to our Newsletter for all the updates!
Photos by Tashi Hall
july 2026 PREMIERE
In July 2026, Eclipse took the main stage at the State Theatre Centre of WA, Studio Underground.
The CircusWA Youth Academy transformed Perth audiences’ understanding of what circus is and surprised them with the quality and capacity youth performers are capable of delivering.
Eclipse invited almost 800 audience members across its 4 shows into a sensory physical theatre journey.
It was a massive team effort to bring this show to the stage. Special thanks to the Creative Team, especially to Director Meredith Kitchen from SA Circus Centre and our very own circus ‘Swiss army knife’ Ben Kotovski-Steele, design rigger, lead skills trainer and performer.
What audience members said about Eclipse:
“Eclipse was a wonderful production of talented artists moving and weaving their bodies alongside a magical sound creation which held and delivered a message for all ages. As the story unfolded through a mesmerising mix of sound and movement, a sense of wonderment and magic was created. So impressed with such a professional level of production coming from CircusWA”
“Eclipse’s ensemble showed what I wish permeated the world: trust, listening, collaboration, inclusion and risk taking.”
“It made me feel better about the world – it was optimistic and inspiring, despite the grunge and apocalyptic themes. Watching the performers work together and support each other was very joyful to watch. It also had spectacular sound design – the production looked and sounded amazing.”
“Incredible work! Talent! Talent! Talent! Displayed incredible mix of performance, athleticism and artistry on all aspects from performers, designers and production team.”
“It was such an incredible piece. I was in tears by the end – from the story, the skills, the cinematics and the sound. As someone who trained in circus and is now a classical singer, it was one of the most genuinely interesting and incredibly impressive shows I’ve ever seen! It makes me want to get back into circus training and inspires and encourages me to explore the bounds of my own creativity.
Photos Edwin Sitt