Brisbane Festival. South Bank Plazza, September 26th 2026

The Fijian Flying Circus matinee show was a skillful weaving of flora, fauna and stories of Fiji with circus aerial, juggling, tumbling, clowning, tightrope, hair hanging, drumming and different varieties of dance from ballet, to traditional and contemporary.

Full of humour, magic and mischief, it was opened by a friendly and playful Mc who relished every moment on stage and who entered the stage after a dramatic opening.

The MCs verbal commentary was minimal and mostly at the beginning into intermission and the farewell. Physical comedy was incorporated throughout.

Working in pairs and groups, with moments of high energy and drumming and quieter dreamy moments where characters emerged out of sacred books, and a fast-moving magic act, there was something for those who love stories and those who like action.

The young audience in particular were very impressed and responsive to the energy of the youthful circus troupe.

In the audience, one child called out, ‘I want to fly,’ whilst one of the aerialists joyfully circumnavigated the circus ring hanging by her hair.

One child enjoyed dancing when the beat and action moved him to. It was his way of clapping.

The costumes were artfully designed, with a sense of Fijian traditional designs in them but with versatility and practicality for circus performance.

Each performance was framed with entries and exits which might be island choral song, dance, or contemporary music, all of which made the show move seamlessly and distracted the audience whilst equipment was bought out and people prepared for their acts. Artistically they might be representing the flora, fauna and peoples of the world of the story.

I highly recommend purchasing the program and reading at the intermission as it will add to understanding of the cultural elements of the show whilst watching. Here is a short extract.

“Loma is an ordinary girl in an extraordinary world, she lives in our Fijian parallel universe where elements, veli’s and giants all live in wondrous harmony with our beautiful trees and animals. Loma is gifted magical shoes from the elders of her community… Loma encounters another veli called Yoyo who is a trickster and prankster…” (Vou, Fijian Flying Circus Program)

It was a delight to read the stories of the performers and how they came to join Fiji’s first homegrown circus as well as the history of the circus itself.

They were happy for us to take photographs but did ask for no flash, no livestreaming, and to share with a hash tag VOU to encourage community support. Some of the cast generously posed with audience (many of them enthusiastic children and families) after the event.

You can still book a ticket to see the Circus before 4th of October.

NOTE:

Navi Fong (Artistic Director); Kristina Nagan (Light and Sound Design) Yordanka Quesada (Circus Trainer and Costume Design), Yosvel Cabrera Guerrero (Apparatus Design, Circus Trainer), Sekovi Tuni (Cast Manager), Sachiko and Edward Sore (Producers), Sharleen Ali, (Tour Manager)

Cast: Adi Alacia Ranavono. Elena Daunivalue, Caroline Balenacagi, Dalila Sanabria, Evangeline Kumar, Patrick Joseph Mecatric, Giovanaa Varea, Inoke Ragogo, Michelle Barrak, Malakai Tuima, Nayeddy Martinez, Neori Ravuso, Niumaia Samumu, Laukata Tuberi, Peni Sawiri, Stuart Tidela, Tevita Senileba.

Support staff: Romeo Naura, Salwa Rosilomani, Una Rokotaro,Nayma Consuegra, Salome Adi Soko, Marika Cokanauto, Aminio Boevou, Esther Fifita