Australian acrobats showcase female strength for Prague performance

Australian circus company A Good Catch is set to inspire audiences at Prague's Jatka78 Theatre with their award-winning production Casting Off on Feb. 28 and 29. This groundbreaking performance features three women spanning three generations, aged 64, 35, and 25, who seamlessly blend acrobatics with powerful storytelling.

Before coming to Prague, A Good Catch won accolades for Casting Off including the Best Circus Production at the Edinburgh, Adelaide, and Melbourne Fringe Festivals. Its unique fusion of new circus techniques and intimate narratives delivers a poignant commentary on womanhood, societal roles, and breaking free from stereotypes.

"The Casting Off show offers everything you could wish for," reads a 4.5-star review from Edinburgh Festival Magazine. "It's a funny show that will make you laugh out loud. It's a show that motivates you. It's clever and intelligent. And the incredible acrobatics on the trapeze are a testament to what the human body can do."

The show's hand-knitted costumes and awe-inspiring physical feats serve as a testament to the resilience and strength of the performers. Despite their diverse ages, Debra Batton (64), Spenser Inwood (35), and Aleshanee Kelso (25) demonstrate a shared commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing the unknown.

"You're never too old to engage your body," says Batton, a seasoned actress and acrobat who emphasizes the importance of physicality. Alongside her younger counterparts, Batton encourages audiences to challenge preconceived notions and embrace life's uncertainties with courage and humor.

Casting Off offers a refreshing departure from traditional circus performances, blending humor, motivation, and intelligence with jaw-dropping acrobatic displays. Reviews from the Edinburgh Fringe and other festivals rave about the show's ability to entertain, inspire, and provoke thought.

A Good Catch, founded in 2017 in Melbourne, has quickly established itself as a trailblazer in the circus industry. Their previous production, Bridges, debuted at the Mullumbimby Circus Festival, laying the foundation for the innovative and socially conscious work seen in Casting Off.

With a focus on feminist messaging and proactive storytelling, A Good Catch challenges audiences to reconsider the possibilities of circus as a platform for social commentary and empowerment. Casting Off exemplifies their commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering solidarity across generations.

A Good Catch will perform Casting off at Prague circus venue Jatka78 on Feb. 28 and 29 from 7:30 p.m. The show will be presented in English. Tickets can be purchased from the Jatka78 website.