Adagio - Seriously Sophisticated Circus - is a combination of physical theatre, circus, contemporary dance, music and comedy. Adagio director Deborah Pope trained in Paris and London and has worked internationally with premier visual, circus, opera and theatre companies. During the past two years she has set up the Wellington Circus Trust and directed circus events in New Zealand.

Deborah says arthouse circus is an evolving art form which is just beginning to capture the imaginations of New Zealand audiences.Adagio - Seriously Sophisticated Circus - is a combination of physical theatre, circus, contemporary dance, music and comedy. Adagio director Deborah Pope trained in Paris and London and has worked internationally with premier visual, circus, opera and theatre companies. During the past two years she has set up the Wellington Circus Trust and directed circus events in New Zealand.

Deborah says arthouse circus is an evolving art form which is just beginning to capture the imaginations of New Zealand audiences.During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
Very Early morning

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic?
Eclectic, beautiful and funny

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the most thrill?
People, Training & Connections.

How does your environment affect your work?
On all levels - from rehearsal space to performance space to living space. I live on the Kapiti Coast and am affected by the visual beauty, simplicity and wildness.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on details?
Both, the process calls for both.

What's your number one tip for surviving in the creative industry?
Adaptability and Determination.

Which of all your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
All for different reasons.

Who or what has inspired you recently?
A trip to the UK in May to work on a Celtic Woman Warrior Spectaular.

What makes Adagio - a seriously sophisticated circus?
The name, the hybrid nature of the form, the skills as metaphors and the music.

What does your role of director of Adagio involve?
Knowledge of the process from idea, training, rehearsal, rigging, structure, production and performance

How is art house circus evolving as an art form in NZ and Internationally?
Internationally circus is recognized as an artform practice, in NZ it is in its early stages.

What is needed to support the growth of Circus Arts?
Good training facilities and good trainers, venues with height, producers with vision and an audience that wants to see the work.

Why did you decide to stay in NZ?
I wanted my daughter to have the simplicity of childhood that I had and it was time to reconnect with my home and family.

If you could go back and chose a different career path what would it be like?
I wouldn't change anything about my career choices in life, except to wish they were a little more profitable .

What place is with you everywhere you go?
Family and friends

What's the best way to listen to music and why?
Listen whenever you need or want to and sometimes even when you don't.
Listening is a much underrated skill and music is part of life.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric, what would you make?
A trapeze.

What's the best stress relief advice you have been given?
Meditation.
However I find playing tag with my daughter effective for me.

What's great about today?
Relief - .the show works - .

What's your big idea for 2008?
To have a big rest. It has been a big year already.

Adagio is playing at Downstage Theatre from Friday 10 October, Monday to Wednesday at 6.30 pm and Thursday to Saturday at 7.30 pm. There will be two $20 previews on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 October and afternoon matinees at 3 pm on Saturday 18 and 25 October.

Ticket prices range from $20 to $42. Special early bird and group discounts apply. Tickets can be purchased online at www.downstage.co.nz, by phone at (04) 801 6946 or in person at Downstage's box office.

Concept & Direction: Deborah Pope
Music Design: Jonathan Crayford
Starring: Mason West, Rowan Heydon-White, Angela Green, Jenny McArthur, Rosie Langabeer and Vicki Jones

For more information on the show please visit Downstage or the Downstage Theatre Blog.

Related story

Adagio season at Downstage extended to November 1

16/10/08