Purple People Show spreads circus joy through regional WA
Regional Arts WA
Nothing brings communities in regional WA together quite like the circus.
A huge crowd gathers for Purple People Show in Newman. Photo by Jenna Mathie.
The pageantry, the spectacle, the sights and sounds. And in this case… the purple.
Zap Circus’ Purple People Show just wrapped up its regional WA tour after more than six weeks on the road. Communities from York to Wyndham and everywhere in between played host to jaw-dropping feats of balance, amazing acrobatics and extreme hula hooping.
Rusty & Tarrabelle with Tim Currie, the presenter at the Esperance Civic Centre. Photo by Jenna Mathie.
Over 300 circus-lovers converged on the Esperance Civic Centre for the show, which is one of the highest attendances the Shire of Esperance has had for an arts event in recent times.
Circus-lovers converge on the Esperance Civic Centre for Purple People Show. Photo by Jenna Mathie.
Rusty & Tarrabelle pose with a young fan in Esperance. Photo by Jenna Mathie.
Meanwhile up in the Pilbara, 200 circus lovers descended upon the Dampier Community Hall – a sellout event for the Dampier Community Association.
The Dampier congregate post-show for photos and laughter. Photo by Jenna Mathie.
Balancing tricks with Rusty & Tarrabelle in Narrogin.
Circus lovers in regional WA didn’t just get to watch these amazing stunts – they got to try them as well! Rusty and Tarrabelle led scores of young people in trying their hands at juggling, hula hooping and balancing tricks.
Rusty and Tarrabelle show Tom Price Senior High School students the art of balance. Photo by Jenna Mathie.
As part of the tour, regional presenters also received fun show-themed community passports to give to people attending the show and in exchange for completing their passports, audience members received an Act-Belong-Commit-themed chatterbox and a collection of Purple People Show stickers.
Circus lovers in Cue filling out their community passports. Photo by Jenna Mathie.
Circus lovers assemble their Act-Belong-Commit chatterboxes in Darkan. Photo by Jenna Mathie.
If the Purple People Show tour inspired you to try your hand at circus, the best time to start is now. There are local circus community groups and acrobatic classes all over the State. Committing to learning a new skill is a great way to maintain your mental health – and when you do it as a group, it’s an even better way to Act-Belong-Commit!
The circus brings locals together in Pannawonica. Photo by Jenna Mathie.
“Best show I’ve ever seen. Hope to see you again.” – Gileon, Narrogin
“Great, awesome show!” – Asha, 5, Armadale
“Great to have art in the country! Come again!” – Anonymous, Darkan
Locals in York check out the Act-Belong-Commit table at the York Indoor Basketball Stadium.
Rusty & Tarrabelle with Jane Farmer from Gnownagerup CRC in front of the Gnowangerup Town Hall.
Keep an eye out for strange footprints in regional WA over the coming months as Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo roars through the state in August and September.
If you’re looking for tips on how to stay mentally healthy and active in your local community, visit the Act-Belong-Commit website.
