Vancouver’s theatre scene is set to be swept off its feet as DanceHouse and The Cultch present the BC premiere of Circa’s Duck Pond. From January 22 to 25, 2025, audiences at the Vancouver Playhouse will experience a dazzling reimagining of Swan Lake through the lens of Circa’s daring and inventive contemporary circus artistry.
This fresh take on Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet comes courtesy of Yaron Lifschitz, Circa’s Artistic Director and CEO. Under his direction, Duck Pond transforms the romantic tale into a cheeky, acrobatic spectacle that merges traditional storytelling with whimsical circus theatrics. The result is a performance that promises laughter, awe, and a touch of magic.
“We are thrilled to welcome Circa back for the BC premiere of this bold and irreverent work,” says Jim Smith, Artistic and Executive Director of DanceHouse. “Following the enthusiastic response to their striking performance of Sacre in 2023, Duck Pond promises another unforgettable experience, combining Circa’s unique blend of theatricality, humour, and physical prowess.”
A Circus Extravaganza Meets Classic Ballet
Duck Pond playfully intertwines the graceful world of Swan Lake with the charming misfits of The Ugly Duckling. Composer and sound designer Jethro Woodward’s soundtrack layers Tchaikovsky’s iconic score with contemporary beats and percussive tracks, crafting an auditory landscape as vibrant as the visuals on stage. The cast of 10 performers embodies characters like the pining prince, black swan, and yellow-billed duck-dancers, blending acrobatics, burlesque, and slapstick comedy into their storytelling.
Described as “charmingly magical in its whimsy” by Blue Curtains Brisbane, Duck Pond balances moments of chaotic humour with delicate artistry. Expect stunning solos, dynamic duets, and breathtaking ensemble feats that explore themes of self-discovery and identity—all through the medium of sequinned flippers and dazzling acrobatics.
A Collaboration Worth Celebrating
Heather Redfern, Executive Director of The Cultch, highlights the significance of this annual collaboration with DanceHouse: “Bringing a new and exciting piece of circus to the Vancouver Playhouse each January has become one of the most anticipated highlights of our season. We are beyond thrilled to welcome Circa back to the stage with Duck Pond—a wild, wacky, and utterly captivating show that will have audiences on the edge of their seats.”
Circa, based in Brisbane, Australia, has been at the forefront of contemporary circus since 2004, performing in over 40 countries and captivating 1.5 million audience members worldwide. Known for pushing boundaries, the company blurs the lines between movement, dance, theatre, and circus.
An Evening of Imagination Awaits
Vancouver audiences have a rare chance to witness this groundbreaking performance before it continues its Canadian tour to Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City. Whether you are a fan of classical ballet, contemporary circus, or simply a lover of innovative theatre, Duck Pond promises to be an unmissable event.
Tickets and further information are available at dancehouse.ca. Do not miss this opportunity to step into an enchanting world where feathers, humour, and world-class acrobatics collide.
Images courtesy MPMG Arts via Damien Bredberg and Pia Johnson, photographers
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Marketing & Communications Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Post-pandemic, she has worked with many small to mid-sized plant-based/vegan brands to build their digital foundations and strategize content creation and business development. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at helen@ecoluxluv.com.
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