‘Circus In A Teacup’ // Vulcana Circus
‘Circus In A Teacup’ was raw.
‘Circus in a Tea Cup’ is a deeply moving and powerful theatrical experience, performed by a remarkable group of 18 women — each a survivor of domestic violence — who come together not only to tell their stories but to demonstrate the strength of their collective resilience. The show, which combines powerful storytelling, physical performance, and a soundtrack of domestic sounds, is as much about healing as it is about confronting the emotional baggage these women have carried.
From the very first symbol of light, shone directly and unnervingly in each of the women’s faces as they attempt to push away, the audience is plunged into a world of tension and transformation. While the whirring of a clothes drier rumbles in the background, the title ‘Circus in a Tea Cup’ evokes a sense of fragile balance, the precariousness of holding one’s trauma within and the explosive potential of shared vulnerability. The show uses the metaphor of a circus — something seemingly whimsical and thrilling, yet fraught with danger and risk — to illustrate the internal chaos that can arise from years of emotional and physical abuse.
What’s immediately striking is the palpable sense of unity among the performers. Each woman brings a unique narrative to the stage, and yet, together, they form an intricate web of support and solidarity. The performers do not shy away from the painful realities of their pasts; instead, they embrace the stage as a platform to voice their trauma, celebrate their survival, and support one another’s healing process. The synergy between them is often magnetic, and this shared journey is at the core of the productions’ impact.
Co-Directors of the production, Celia White and Alex Mizzen, have shaped the piece with sensitivity and care, allowing the women to take the lead in sharing their stories. What makes this show particularly striking is its refusal to offer easy answers or comforting platitudes. There are no illusions here; the wounds these women carry are deep, and the path to recovery is neither linear nor easy. But through the dark moments, there are bursts of warmth, and joy — moments where the performers seem to catch glimpses of the light they’ve fought so hard to find.
The physicality of the performance is simple and effective. At times, the performers move with the grace of dancers, their bodies telling stories, visually representing both the support and the burden they carry for each other. Inclusion is key in this group. Every shape, age, colour and creed are represented.
A participant in a motorised wheelchair, used in various interesting ways, provided strength and grounding for others balancing on top of the cupboard or returning from the high ropes. In another scene, the women take turns balancing precariously on each other’s shoulders, mirroring the emotional juggling act many survivors must perform when they try to manage their lives while healing from past trauma.
The staging is minimal but effective, with a simple yet striking set that uses a couch and cupboard to evoke both the confinement of a suburban home and the hope of escape. Props of suitcases are metaphorically hidden and returned, pushed away, paraded around and show the audience the time it can take to rid oneself of the torment of violence. The lighting design adds layers of emotion, bathing the stage in soft, warm hues during moments of solidarity, while casting stark shadows during the more intense, difficult scenes. The incorporation of domestic items such as lamps have multiple uses as each women takes a turn to speak into the lamp, shining light on their resilience.
The real power of ‘Circus in a Tea Cup’ lies in its authenticity. These women speak directly from their experiences, and the vulnerability they bring to the stage is both humbling and courageous. They are not just playing characters; they are revealing pieces of their own hearts. Their commitment to their roles, their honesty, and the emotional depth of their performances are nothing short of inspiring. The performance is a testament to the strength that can be found in community, in vulnerability, and in the determination to move forward.
The closing moments, in which the women unite in a beautiful and moving display of solidarity, are nothing short of an accomplishment. The audience is left with a feeling of hope — hope that healing is possible, that no one is truly alone, and that even after the darkest of times, light can find its way back in.
‘Circus in a Tea Cup’ is not just a theatre performance — it is a call to action, a reminder of the strength and elasticity of those who have endured unspeakable hardship. It’s a powerful recognition of survival, healing, and the unbreakable bonds that can form when we choose to support one another. A must-see for anyone seeking a reminder of the transformative power of art and community.
Circus in a Tea Cup runs until 7 December at QPAC’s Cremorne Theatre. For more information visit QPAC’s website.
