Eclipse
Showcasing the strength and creativity of young people navigating their world, Eclipse is performed by youth and young adults from our Level Up Circus 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.
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.
Creative Team
Meredith Kitchen, Ben Sheen, Louis Frere-Harvey, Eloise Kent, Angelica Rush
Supported by associate artists: Stephanie Pick and Rachel Stone
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.
Mid-2025 will see 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, we invite you to the Freo Big Top on the 12 April 2025 to join the festivities of our Giving Day.
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