Blush – Circus for Grown Ups | Christopher Carlos

The Fame Reporter interviewed out-of-this-world fire performer, Christopher Carlos. He is starring in the non-stop celebration of the surprising, subversive and the supremely sexy, award-winning circus sensation BLUSH brings an outrageous brand of adult circus at Cremorne Theatre, QPAC until 12 February.

Starting his career in theatre, Chris’ love of physicality drew him to fire spinning, then to acrobatics. As the first specialist fire performer accepted into the competitive Bachelor of Circus Arts, Chris’ passion for working with bodies lead him to an obsession with partner acrobatics. Having toured the world for a decade as a performer with shows like “A Simple Space” and “Children are Stinky”, Chris is incredibly excited to be back in Blush. He was a part of the cast that created the show and has some new skills he is longing to share with Blush audiences.

We sat down with circus performer Christopher Carlos. Christopher talked about his involvement in the original development of ‘Blush’, where his love for fire performing began and more.

Welcome to The Fame Reporter Chris, what sparked your interest in performing initially?
Thank for having me. I think my fear of working in an office was my main drive. That and the ever present need for people to clap for me.

What does the production ‘Blush’ entail and the inspiration behind it?
Blush is a tantalising mix of acrobatics, aerials, live singing, comedy, fire and sex positivity. The inspiration behind the show was to look at the model of the ‘Sexy adult circus cabaret’ and see how we can make it more inclusive, non heteronormative and representative of all different relationship styles.

We strongly believe celebrating sexuality in all its forms is something that needs more exposure…. Pun very much intended.

What was it like being part of the original cast that created the show?
It’s quite surreal. If I’d have known that those two weeks in a theatre would have this kind of impact and longevity I’d have likely been way more nervous!

It’s quite lovely seeing the evolution of the show with various casts. Then coming back into it and experiencing the maturity that the show embodies is something quite special. I say this having some obvious bias, but this iteration of the show, for me, is by far the strongest yet.

What do you love about Fire performing and what is the most challenging part?
The fire spinning community was the place I first found my tribe. It was my life and obsession for over a decade. Fire was never represented well or respected when I started performing circus, so to see it gain traction has been quite fulfilling.

Fire is something that most people are drawn to on a primal level. Having done it for 20 years now I forget how much people still love it. The most challenging part is assuring venues that I’m not going to burn them down!

What about the show ‘Blush’ enticed you to want to be involved in it and to return to the show?
The other show that I left rouge to tour with was solely acrobatics. Which was a lot of fun…. But I didn’t really get to stretch my wings as it was. In ‘Blush’ I still perform acrobatics but I also get to play with fire, perform shibari, dance and try my hand at being somewhat funny.

When I was part of the creation I was in the process of understanding sexual psychology and alternative relationship styles, and now that I am much more comfortable in that realm, the show means more to me.

What 3 performers dead or alive would you love to have a dinner party with?
I’m going to choose film performers for his question. How can you go past Cate Blanchett? Tom Hardy is also such an incredible artist. And I will have to choose my celebrity crush Emily Blunt.

What is it about circus arts that is so compelling and exciting to you? What is it about partner acrobatics that you love?
Live art forms are much more human. Fallible. Genuine. Things can and often do go wrong (in minor ways), the ability to problem solve without having the audience know is something that I get a real kick out of. Partner acrobatics is something unique in that it promotes intimate non-sexual touch. I think often times people cant separate touch with sex.

Acroyoga and other types of partner acro are so great in helping people put faith in their bodies and find comfort in trust in others. I have seen it be a healing hobby for many people over the years.

Why should audiences come along and see Blush?
These types of shows rarely have a 6 year lifespan.

The political/sexual undertones do set us apart from other shows in our category but essentially the show is a display of high level skill wrapped in a fun and cheeky wrapper.

It is genuinely a great night out.

Fame Reporter Word Play

Blush
Try not to…

Bucket list
Ticked off

Brisbane
Home

Favourite mantra when you are down
This too shall pass

Fire Performer
Community

Any secret talents
Yep…. But potentially not something I should say publicly

Favourite piece of theatre
Sleep No More

Savoury or Sweet
Savoury

Dressing Room necessity
Caffeine

Celebrity Crush
Emily Blunt/Henry Cavill

Can’t live without
Coffee/Chicken and Rice

Acrobatics
Touch

A Simple Space
Legacy

Favourite Artist
Bo Burnham

Children are Stinky
(you’ve done your research) Circus sister

Place you want to travel to
Japan

Australian theatre scene
Concentrated

Future dream
Building a Circus training centre/retreat in SE Asia

TV Show Binge
Boston legal!

Finally, favourite thing about performing
My community

Thank-you Christopher for joining us at The Fame Reporter and we wish you all the best for Blush at QPAC!