How can we teach the next generation acceptance and tolerance? Through circus, of course.

When Circus Oz’s Model Citizens comes to town next month you can expect all the usual trimmings—flips, human pyramids, high-wire acrobatics and many more ‘don’t try this at home’ stunts. But you can also expect a humanitarian message layered into this family-friendly performance.

“What’s different about this performance is that it’s a family show looking at themes of what it means to be an Australian in the 21^st Century,” explains Mitch Jones, who will be performing as part of Model Citizens when it comes to Canberra Theatre Centre from 16 to 18 August.

A knife-throwing, fire-eating, tightwire-climbing, heavily-tattooed acrobat who sometimes performs under the name Capitan Ruin, Mitch also holds a Bachelor Degree in Social Theory, which comes in handy when building shows like Model Citizens.

The show follows an outsider arriving in a ‘model society’ and plays with the idea of what it means to be a model citizen, amid a set filled with oversized objects like giant clothes and safety pins and even an enormous pair of Y-front undies. But while these objects lend themselves to the expert slapstick showmanship Circus Oz is famous for, Mitch says that below the hijinks is a much deeper message.

Mitch Jones

“This show really looks at the journey of an outsider in Australia and about how, as a community, we are all enriched when we accept and embrace outsiders,” he explains.

“In some ways, it’s about the difficulties of that position in communities that claim to be homogenous—when an outsider arrives in a world where people are all trying to look and act the same, even though underneath they’re different.”

Mitch says that since they started touring the show 18 months ago, they’ve had some “really rewarding” reactions to Model Citizens’ unique take on community.

“It’s an important show for families to take their kids to, because kids more than anyone else are put in positions in school or sports groups where they can feel like an outsider quite easily, and it’s something that we all have to learn to adjust to.”

For Mitch, herein lies the beating heart of Circus Oz—outrageous fun, with a take-home message that stays with you.

“As well as it being an exciting piece of family theatre, it’s also trying to deliver a message of acceptance and tolerance and embracing difference,” he says.

“This show has a really empowering message for people to be proud of who they are—whether that’s different or the same, whether that’s fitting in or not fitting in. That’s the heart of the show, for me.”

Mitch also praises Circus Oz’s commitment to providing equal representation on stage for all genders as well as the company’s deep respect for Indigenous land rights and reconciliation. This social consciousness is no more evident than in Model Citizens.

“It’s a fantastic and exciting circus experience with a heart that is motivated by trying to better the lives of all Australians by trying to reflect us back to ourselves—which is what a work of art should attempt to do.”

“It should show us something about ourselves that leaves us feeling a little bit changed and a little bit inspired after we leave the theatre.”

the essentials

What: Circus Oz’ Model Citizens
When: 16-18 August
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Civic
Tickets: $45-70
More information and bookings: canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/model-citizens

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