Arts Centre Melbourne Presents the Flying Fruit Fly Circus' JUNK

Step back in time to 1940s rural Australia to meet the play-loving kids who live behind a junk yard in Flying Fruit Fly Circus' exhilarating new show Junk at Arts Centre Melbourne's Playhouse from 22 - 23 September.

An inventive exploration of the changing world of childhood, set in a time before kids had access to television, computers and expensive toys, the Flying Fruit Flies use only their imagination to transform household trash into a magical landscape of thrilling circus adventures. Led by Artistic Director Jodie Farrugia they incorporate games of a time gone by such as noughts and crosses, tricycle-riding, elastics and hopscotch.

The intergenerational work evolved from interviews conducted by the young Flying Fruit Flys with elders at their local nursing home about games they played as children. The voices of these elders are used as sound sources, along with the rhythmic chants and verses from skipping games and hopscotch. Sound Designer Bec Matthews has included music and songs from the 1940s, interspersed with live interludes from the performers themselves playing instruments including a washboard, percussion and stringed instruments along with a junked piano.

Australia's world-famous national youth circus is known for its heartfelt storytelling and Farrugia has created an inventive exploration of the changing world of childhood.

Executive Director and Producer, Richard Hull, said: "We are all very proud of this new work, which so beautifully reflects our company's home and roots in regional Albury-Wodonga. It also asks some relevant questions about how children are allowed to dream, imagine and discover risk in our modern day society. Junk is a spectacular showcase for the energy and skills of 17 extraordinary young circus artists."

Founded in 1979 as a holiday project for local youth in Albury-Wodonga, the Flying Fruit Fly Circus is recognised as one of the world's leading youth arts companies. With many landmark projects to its name and an ever-increasing alumni working in leading companies around the world, it is perhaps Australia's most successful cultural community development project, continuing to enrich the lives of many young Australians.

Junk is presented as part of Arts Centre Melbourne's Winter/Spring Families and Arts Learning programs. Arts Centre Melbourne's year-round Families program was launched in August 2009 and has grown in reputation to become a highly respected program both in Melbourne and nationally. Featuring free events, intimate and large-scale theatre from some of the world's most respected companies and a diverse range of interactive workshops, the program is robust and growing in size, scale and scope.

22 & 23 September
22 September, 6pm
23 September, 2pm & 6pm
*Relaxed performance : 23 September, 2pm
Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse
Recommended for ages 6+
Book: artscentremelbourne.com.au or 1300 182 183

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