Duck Pond by Circa is a delightfully exciting dance production that takes inspiration from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake ballet – as well as the tale of the Ugly Duckling – to tell its own charming and frequently amusing story in a circus spectacular.
In a wordless performance that relies on Circa’s renowned physicality, the audience watches romance blossom between the Prince and the Ugly Duckling. Despite their passionate acrobatic duets, uncertainty grows with the arrival of the Black Swan and the twists this red-heeled seductress brings with her.
The story itself is wonderfully crafted. Though it may appear to at first lean into cliches, it does so only to make use of their emotive power before proceeding to break them by the end of the second act. Much credit is due to Rani Luther, the Dramaturg and Associate Choreographer, whose work tells a captivating story delivered through an ever-expanding range of movement, with constant new surprises in the narrative that sustain excitement but remained cohesive.
The mesmerising acrobalance, aerial skills, and extensive range of other talents displayed in Duck Pond are underscored by a marvellous soundtrack. The sound design by Jethro Woodward ranges from fragments of Swan Lake’s original score to contrasting contemporary sound, providing a fluid backing with the tale’s combination of its modern and classical inspirations.
A highlight of the performance is a light-hearted scene filled with comedy in which an ensemble wearing flippers and overall-clad clean-up duck crew, who lift the Ugly Duckling’s spirits while armed with mops. This featured my favourite of Libby McDonnell’s marvellously effective costume design choices, with simple yet standout choices having delightful humorous effect.
Another stellar moment was the heartwarming ending to Act Two, with two swans heading off into the sunset delivering the ending to the fairytale. There was a delightful splendour to the performers’ abundance of finale-esque moments. Once the romantic storyline is concluded, more circus antics continue. The curtain doesn’t yet fall, rather the audience watches the birds pack up their circus with entertaining gags and circus tricks throughout. Yaron Lifschitz’s (Director and Stage Designer) style shone in this scene, with the stage transforming and this being featured as a component of the performance.
Duck Pond tells an endearing and entertaining story through impressive physical feats. It is exciting and adventurous contemporary work that perfectly captures the magical spirit of the classical tales it draws upon.
Production image by Pia Johnson provided to The Student as press material.
