Sideshow

After five years of dreaming, planning, application writing and rescheduling (…thanks Covid), Rubiks are absolutely thrilled to be presenting the Australian premiere of Steven Takasugi's 'Sideshow'. Rubiks Directors Kaylie and Tamara first saw this work, performed by Talea Ensemble in 2016 at the Darmstädter Ferienkurse in Darmstadt Germany, and have been determined to bring this theatrical adventure to Australian audiences!

The preparations for this performance have been slightly more unusual for the Rubiks team, including purchasing whacky props, planning new methods of working with a live and digital director simultaneously and practising our facial gymnastics. We never thought the line “The eye sockets might need some play” would ever enter into a Rubiks production discussion, but Sideshow delivers surprises for all!

Based on the dark sideshows of Coney Island's amusement parks in the early part of the 20th century, 'Sideshow' is a meditation on virtuosity, freak shows, entertainment, spectacle, business, and the sacrifices one makes to survive in the world.

Rubiks Collective proudly presents the Australian premiere of Steven Takasugi's spectacular theatrical work for amplified octet and amplified playback. The saxophonist is the Sideshow Giant, having bellow-like lungs. The violist is a sword swallower, expert with a bow sword. The pianist is the Human Spider, born with eight hands. The percussionist is the self-sacrificing Proprietor/Announcer. Each character of this quartet has his or her uncanny double, twin, imposter, accomplice, copycat.

Pictured- Kaylie Melville and Luke Carbon. Photos by Cameron Jamieson Photography

"Takasugi came through big time with his promise of a freak show… This is an amazing piece.”
– LA Times

This event is generously supported by the City of Melbourne Arts Grants Program and Creative Victoria.