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.
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?
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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
(First thing that comes to your mind when you hear these phrases)
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
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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!
The Fame Reporter 