As much an acrobatic spectacle as it is an intimate musical performance, Katie Noonan’s Love-Song Circus is an elegant ode to the plight of early Australian convict women.
Although perhaps best known for her work with Aria award-winning rock band George, Noonan has also pursued a successful solo career that has so far encompassed a number of diverse genres including opera, jazz, pop and dance. This year she has returned to the Adelaide Fringe as its official ambassador to present her latest passion project; an amalgamation of music and circus that creates a fitting tribute to an often overlooked chapter of Australian history.
The show was inspired by Noonan’s exploration into letters penned by the first convict women to loved ones they had left behind. The classically trained singer devoted her time to getting inside the minds of these individuals and translated their messages into a series of songs that combine contemporary musical elements with traditional folk.
Noonan’s flawless vocal performance proves why she is consistently rated among this country’s top singer-songwriters. With her pure timbre, subtle dynamics and a range that spans multiple octaves, her voice has an ethereal, otherworldly quality that is every bit as graceful as the three Circa aerialists who accompany her. Backed by a talented string quartet and guitarist, the music alone could be considered inspiring enough to do away with the circus act.
As impressive as the acrobats are, some routines do work better than others. The contemporary dance numbers mostly come across as forced and somewhat awkward and there are a few noticeable slip-ups. However, there are also some truly remarkable moments as the women twirl through the air showcasing their incredible strength, agility and grace, physically mirroring Noonan’s often intense lyrics.
Love-Song Circus is a sophisticated and moving performance that highlights a difficult but important period of our country’s past.
