Circus Factory
Roll up, roll up, Circus Factory, the new exhibition from the Powerhouse Museum is here, and what a show it is!
The display is interactive. On the ground level visitors can experience a live thrill from the talented Circa acrobatic team, swirl a hula hoop, get lost in a hall of mirrors, juggle and ride a fully operational carousel.
The next section features an historical collection of costumes and information about the famous Wirth circus family, including an amazing, century old photo of the world renowned equestrienne May Wirth, tumbling backwards from one galloping horse to another.
Meanwhile, the basement hosts a collection of odd coin-operated animatronics. Down here the skull of truth will tell your fortune while Tommy will throw a tantrum for the right price.
This is an exploration and adventure through the colour, joy, eccentricity and chicanery of itinerant performance in an Australian setting. The opportunity to play, combined with the carnivalesque atmosphere is a reminder of older times when entertainment was not confined within a hand held device.
It’s fun, it’s informative, a sensuous indulgence, and probably the most unusual day out in Sydney this summer. (LR)
Until May 3, Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St Ultimo, $35/Free for up to 3 children, powerhousemuseum.com
