Humans 2.0
A symphony of acrobatics, sound, and light from one of the most celebrated circus companies in the world.
Ten bodies appear in a flash of light. They move in harmony for a fleeting moment and then descend into a sinuous trance. Towers grow and decay, bodies leap and are caught, always seeking a moment of perfect equilibrium. Can we ever truly find it or is adapting to constant change the only way forward?
In Humans 2.0, Yaron Lifschitz and the Circa Ensemble create a tightly woven choreography at the intersection of acrobatics and dance. Driven by the pulsating electronic compositions of Ori Lichtik and revealed in Paul Jackson’s dramatic lighting, the performance unfolds as an intimate, exhilarating interplay of strength and vulnerability. Humans 2.0 is contemporary circus at its finest and a stirring meditation on the search for order in complexity and the forces we unleash when we come together.
Duration: 100 minutes, including an intermission
Age recommendation: 8+
Language: none
Please note: Stroboscopic light effects are used during the show.
The Connection Between Humans 2.0 and Wolf
Evolution, connection, and finding joy in the messiness of being human — these are the building blocks of Humans 2.0 and Wolf, presented back-to-back in the second half of the year as a thrilling circus double bill. Both works excavate a similar territory: How can we exist together but be ourselves? How can the awesome forces of a group result in both celebration and destruction? Stitching both productions together are the intricate compositions of Ori Lichtik, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience the evolution of Circa’s collaboration with Lichtik and to let these two ground breaking works speak to and enrich each other.
Credits
Created by Yaron Lifschitz and the Circa ensemble
Commissioned by The Mondavi Center, UC Davis
Directed by: Yaron Lifschitz
Original music: Ori Lichtik
Light design: Paul Jackson
Costume design: Libby McDonnell
Technical director: Jason Organ
Further supported by:
Circa acknowledges the assistance of the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
In the Press
Berliner Morgenpost
impressive and sophisticated contemporary New Circus at its best
The List, UK
An occasionally literal ground-breaking feat of acrobatics that takes the form into exciting new areas
ArtsHub, Australia
Jaw-dropping, seat-clawing and armchair-exhausting
The Conversation, Australia
Humans 2.0 is a seriously sensational spectacle: as aesthetic as it is athletic, as comedic as it is grave, and all in all, a visceral delight
La Presse, Canada
A striking spectacle of beauty, a real ode to the graceful power of the human body
Theatre Travels, Australia
There is circus – and then there is Circa
About the Company
Circa represents world-class Australian circus artistry and is one of the world’s great performing arts companies. With their award-winning productions, they captivate audiences and earn standing ovations, sold-out performances, and glowing reviews worldwide.
Under the visionary leadership of Yaron Lifschitz and in close collaboration with their ensemble, they craft a diverse array of productions that constitute “a revolution in the spectacle of circus” (Les Echos). For 20 years, Circa has pushed the boundaries of contemporary circus, redefining the art form by showcasing how extreme physicality can forge powerful and emotive experiences.
Based in Brisbane, Circa tours the globe each year, premiering new creations and becoming a staple at prestigious festivals and venues in New York, London, Montréal—and at Chamäleon Berlin.
Through their extensive engagement programs, including the Circa Academy, Circability, and Circa Cairns (a First Nations-led circus initiative), they provide access, participation and professional development outcomes. They have also delivered major projects, including the Creative Lead on the Commonwealth Games Festival 2018 and managing Artour for the Queensland Government.
In 2024, Yaron Lifschitz was honored with the Distinguished Artist Award by the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA), joining the ranks of extraordinary artists such as Robert Lepage, Laurie Anderson, Leonard Bernstein, and Pina Bausch.
