Sydney Opera House, April 2018
Lake Kawana, April 2018
Sydney Festival, January 2017
Premiere season Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts, April 2016
Running time 60 minutes.
Come and view life through Ethan’s eyes with Kaleidoscope, a joyous, poetic circus experience that explores the great beauty found in the smallest things. Ethan Hugh was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at four years of age. Because of this syndrome, Ethan perceives the world differently, and unwittingly invited his mother to view his world with him. Joanna described stepping into Ethan’s world as ‘the joy of walking through shafts of colour and light; a dazzling kaleidoscope’. She wrote a book about her experiences with Ethan that inspired the creation of Kaleidoscope the show, a work that allows Ethan to express himself through a physical form he loves – circus.
“Sometimes the heart breaks and cracks open because so much love is bursting through.” – Ethan Hugh
Kaleidoscope is produced by Company 2 and is an awe-inspiring circus show that will bring to life the colour, chaos and incredible beauty of Ethan’s every day. Kaleidoscope is the collaboration of a unique boy, an inspiring story and the lyrical world of circus arts that celebrates young people’s stories and the acceptance of difference.
Director/creator: Chelsea McGuffin
Co-creator: Natano Fa’anana
Performers: Ethan Hugh alongside the Company 2 ensemble
“This show is pure love. It’s play and love and laughter… Company 2 have discovered a perfect match of energies, minds and hearts… a heartfelt exploration of seemingly random tiny moments, which exist for all of us, but are noticed by few.” – Xanthe Coward
“Kaleidoscope gives an important young boy the chance to have a voice and help to influence the way society views Asperger’s Syndrome… Kaleidoscope is an important show for all ages to see… there is no denying that Ethan’s story is a powerful one.” – Katherine Sullivan
Read and hear more about the show on Radio National, The 7.30 Report, and SBS.