Bespoke compositions for CircusWA’s production to grace BREC

After more than 18 months work, a new production highlighting the joys, strengths and creativity of CircusWA’s young people is set to take to the stage.

B’Spoke Circus will be showing at Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre and includes a cast of young people with disabilities who are part of an academy group.

The work is woven together by a live composition by Shenzo Gregorio and Jude Iddison who will be joined by singer-songwriter Maia Harcourt.

Gregorio has been composing circus shows throughout his career after working as a flying violinist.

In 2023, he worked with local violinist Iddison to compose B’Spoke and at the end of last year Harcourt added her voice.

Gregorio said composing for the theatre and engaging with musicians in the rehearsal room was a unique experience.

“The music has been used to reflect on and mediate the stories of CircusWA’s disabled youth performers,” he said.

“It’s been an amazing experience to work with non-verbal young people and to compose with Jude Iddison.

“The inclusion of young vocalist Maia Harcourt has helped expand our connection with the performers. Her age coupled with her improvisation skills has helped us create a sound score that is richer and more layered.”

CircusWA artistic director Jo Smith said when working with youth with disabilities, spoken and written instructions aren’t always the best tools for communication.

“Through trial, error, and play, music became one of our master tools for creating with our disabled performers,” she said.

“We could have used recorded music, however, we realised it was the musicians live in space which helped to keep the performers engaged.

“Through improvisation, the musicians have created with and continue to respond to the performers and the stories being told. The musicians in essence have become the conductors of this performance.”

B’Spoke will be showing at BREC on July 4 and 5.