Abandon reality and immerse yourself into a world of dreams with NICA’s new third-year student ensemble show, ONEIRIC. The show combines jaw dropping aerial acrobatics, modern dance, music and sound to bring you on a journey through light and dark, leaving your awe inspired and clinging to the edge of your seat.
NICA knows how to deliver a good circus show, and ONEIRIC is no different. Directed by Edgar Zendejas, internationally renowned choreographer, visionary, and founder of acclaimed dance company, Ezdanza, ONEIRIC explores levels of the subconscious through movement, sound, and music.
The term ONEIRIC comes from Greek oneiros meaning “of or relating to dreams”. ONEIRIC is a void that offers no distinction between reality, and the ephemeral. The show is darker than previous NICA performances with monochrome costumes and props, sombre, rhythmic music, and movement that feels trance-like. The cast flawlessly moves as one, entangled in each other’s embrace, movements, and costumes.
The 90-minute performance featured nearly all aerial apparatuses with acts including Chinese pole, silks, dance trapeze, tightrope walkers, rope, juggling, straps, and more. The number and diversity of acts was impressive with the transition between apparatus seamless.
Our favourite were the handstands – stacked a breathtaking three people high at one stage, and the teeterboard. Think see saw with backflips and other flips and twists only a skilled gymnast could pull off. The act had me on the edge of my seat, breath held in anticipation for what adrenaline fuelled stunt would come next.
The talent displayed from NICA’s students was truly impressive, and the unique style of this show – the fusion of hypnotising music, artistry, and rhythmic movements of the cast left us captivated.
NICA’s ONEIRIC runs through 17 June with various matinee and evening show times. Get your tickets here.
– Ember Mitchell
Ember is an American turned Aussie. Her love affair with Melbourne goes back five years, and she still can’t get enough of this city! Discovering new hideouts and hidden gems around Melbourne is her hobby. Marketing Strategist by day, spontaneous adventurer, brekky enthusiast, and aerial acrobat by night.
NICA’s Circus Centre
39 – 59 Green Street
Prahran, VIC
https://nica.com.au/performs
NICA’s new show ONERIC will leave you mesmerised and transfixed.
