There are lots of things for kids to do at CIRCUS FACTORY at the Powerhouse Museum so it’s a great place to take the kids over the holidays for some kinaesthetic and fun activities. My advice though, is to take another adult with you too so that you can get some quality time alone with the more aesthetic displays on the theme.
The exhibition is essentially on two floors, though there is a penny ($1 these days) arcade on the 3rd floor as well. On the entry level are all the kid activities and up a ramp to the next level are the costume and poster displays.
The children have a range of experiences open to them in the cavernous, black walled space. Sparse focused lighting gives a definitely mysterious feel to the large area but the kids seem to dive right in. There is a range of dressups, including great outfits for little boys, and some images to have a fun photo taken against.
The helium balloon tent is a hit. Literally. The kids can run around kicking and hurling the 50 or so balloon animals way up into the sky, enjoying all sorts of controlled chaos. The animal issue about circuses isn’t tackled head on. There is a tent with 2 D life size images of a performing seal, elephant and tiger jumping through a neon hoop and a note about views being more enlightened. But really there is so much interactive stuff to do that parents can have that discussion later.
There is science here; too, if that is something you like to share with family. How Strong are You has information about the Force of Gravity and how you can never make the big bell ring no matter how hard you hit with the hammer. And while a scarily lithe grandma was enthralling her grandson with her hula hoop ability … she was referring to the accessible notes about Torque. Go Nana!
There is a Hall of Mirrors, and display of toys and meccano and kewpie dolls including the huge example from the Sydney Olympics. But the biggest drawcard is the wonderful carousel. Converted to electricity rather than the original steam engine, it still feels like stepping back in time. The music from original 89 key Caviolli organ pulls the children through the space. “I can have a many rides as I want,” squealed a little one as she came off a wooden horse. The cockerels are most in demand but a superbly painted merry- go-round horse will do.
Unfortunately, the day I attended the circus show was cancelled so I didn’t get a chance to see them working with the children. Staff tell me that they do a bit of trapeze and tightrope and some magic and plate spinning etc.
When that show is on, leave the kids with the spare adult you brought with you and sneak off to enjoy the upstairs exhibition designed by renowned scenographers Gerard Cholot and Alban Le Hendry.
The artistry is breathtaking. As a girl I was known to wear a spangle or two when called upon but I never performed in anything like this. Always lightweight and body hugging, it is the creation of character in these costumes that is the true art. The fabrics, the hoods, the physics of the high cut and way more than I ever really needed to know about posing pouches!
There are many overseas examples, be sure to watch the video of our home-grown living legend, Laurel Frank, talking about the famous White Cockatoo Flyers of Circus Oz. The costumes are there to explore. Only this way can we fully absorb how concept informs reality. While circus trapeze artists are constantly contacted by people with a terminal illness and they understand that their death defying is exactly that for many people in our community, they are also the brightest stars above the ring. It is their costumes which enthralled me, rather than the clowns or ringmasters.
Chatting away to some of the parents, I discovered that this is a regular event for many of them. They get a lot of entertainment for their dollar and with 3 children under 16 included free in an adult entry fee, it can be quite economical. Even if you shell out for that extra grown-up!
CIRCUS FACTORY continues at the Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St, Ultimo until May 3, 2015.
For more about Circus Factory @ Powerhouse Museum, visit http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/exhibitions/circus-factory/