newy.com.au – Tickets have gone on sale for Wolf, the gravity-defying acrobatic production that will make its Newcastle debut at Civic Theatre during this year’s New Annual festival.
The global circus hit, which has drawn crowds at Edinburgh Fringe and broken box office records in Europe, will be staged for two nights only on October 2 and 3 as part of the City of Newcastle’s flagship arts festival.
Wolf marks the return of internationally renowned contemporary circus company Circa, which sold out performances at Christ Church Cathedral during New Annual in 2023 after transforming the landmark into an atmospheric performance space.
Festival Director Tory Loudon said New Annual gave Newcastle audiences access to major international artists without the need to travel to a capital city.
“Circa are one of the world’s best performing arts companies, captivating more than two million people in over 45 countries with their boundary-pushing blend of music, dance, theatre and circus,” Ms Loudon said.
“They made a huge impression on audiences with their sold-out performances at the Cathedral in 2023, so it’s fantastic they’re coming back to Newcastle with a new show that so far has only been seen once before in Australia.
“We’re thrilled to include them as part of this year’s New Annual festival, which offers an exciting and diverse program championing local stories and talent alongside the best of international and Australian live theatre, music and art.”
Wolf debuted in Germany in 2024 and has since been seen in 12 countries. Its only previous Australian performances were two sold-out shows in Brisbane last November.
The production features 10 performers in a physical mix of acrobatics, artistry and primal movement, with the cast grasping, tearing, climbing, leaping and balancing throughout the work.
Circa Artistic Director Yaron Lifschitz said Wolf delivered “an evolution of intense choreographies” filled with raw energy and physicality.
“Wolf is a savage, thrilling ride, a fierce maelstrom of acrobatic bodies. The way they hold, the way they crash and connect,” Mr Lifschitz said.
“Circus can move you and be a powerful, emotional medium…Wolf is that distilled and clarified.”
New Annual will run from September 25 to October 4, marking the sixth edition of the festival. Other announced highlights include Night Flowers, a new exhibition by internationally recognised former Newcastle photographer Damien Frost, and Twisted, an immersive art party inspired by his work at Bartholomew’s.
The Newcastle Ocean Baths will again host the free sunset live music sessions SOAK, while Civic Park will feature the Spiegeltent during an extended season of Loca Vida.
The full New Annual program will be announced on July 31. Wolf is being presented as a collaboration between Newcastle Civic Theatre and New Annual, with tickets available through the Civic Theatre website.
