National Institute of Circus Arts to Present PESCADO, 13-16 May

NICA's talented second-year students will have no trouble fishing for compliments when they feature in this quirky aquarium of circus, cabaret and comedy. PESCADO - A Circus Cabaret Fusion will be performed in the National Institute of Circus Arts' intimate studio space from 13 to 16 May 2015.

Co-directed by Australian cabaret and circus mainstays, Hayden Spencer and Carita Farrer Spencer, PESCADO will submerge the audience in a wonderful world of piscean characters, outstanding circus skills and tongue- in-gill silliness, all wrapped up in a 'Venice Beach' atmosphere.

The directors have plunged their creativity into the underwater theme. "We have created human characters that are based on elements from the ocean. Think aerial trapeze backing vocalists who strangely resemble both prawns and The Supremes, crab-like strong men, a Walrus-esque ringmaster, and scuba-diving DJs and dancers."

Audiences can expect a brave and edgy performance full of stunning character work, physicalisation, humour and a dynamic array of circus skill performances.

"We have responded to the skill-set of our ensemble and their creative passions and ideas, then we framed a show around that. The result will be a cavalcade of characters, some hilarious and quirky, some dynamic and extreme," said Hayden and Carita.

Twenty multi-talented artists will present high level circus skills including: Tight Wire, Hula Hoops, Acrobatics, Clowning, Aerial Straps, Handstands, Roue Cyr and Tissu along with a good dose of humour, live music and quirk.

Tickets are on sale now at www.nica.com.au

About the Directors

Carita Farrer Spencer is an independent, award-winning theatre, cabaret, singer performer and director whose vast resume includes The Messiah (National Tour and Helpmann Award nomination). Melbourne Theatre Company: Cyrano de Bergerac. Queensland Theatre Company: The Venetian Twins; Proof; A Conversation; The Australian Sitcom Festival; and her current Melbourne International Comedy Festival performance Larry Paradiseo & The Fabulous Dame Farrar.

Hayden Spencer brings a wealth of experience as an accomplished clown, writer, actor and director. Hayden has performed as the lead clown in Cirque de Soleil: Dralion, acted in multiple shows for Melbourne Theatre Company, La Boite Theatre Company among many other companies. He is also an accomplished writer/director working with La Boi?te Theatre, QPAC, NICA and Queensland Theatre Company.

About NICA

NICA is Australia's Centre of Excellence for training in contemporary circus arts. It is one of eight national arts training institutes and offers Australia's only Bachelor of Circus Arts. Graduates of NICA have gone on to pursue exciting careers both locally and internationally and have contributed to the development of Melbourne's vibrant circus arts industry. The course is accredited by Swinburne University of Technology and attracts applicants from around the world.