This October, The Great Moscow Circus – “the world’s favourite circus”– is returning to Singapore for the first time in over a decade.
As one would expect, the show promises to be a heart-pounding family spectacular. It will feature 45 world-renowned circus performers, including
The performer will be bringing back his signature stunts in the show alongside other talent highlights, including daredevil motorcyclists, aerial stunt performers, jugglers and illusionists, all of whom will be supported by a live circus band (and no, there will be no animal acts, thankfully!).
We spoke with the 29-year-old Australian at the media event for the raising of the Big Top, where we had an exclusive sneak preview of the US$1 million tent and an exclusive performance by Williams himself.
What can we expect from your act in the The Great Moscow Circus show?
You can pretty much expect the same old (stuff). I’ll be trying to (stir up) as much excitement as I can. You know, danger.
How big exactly is the production this time around for the Singapore show?
The production is massive. In fact, this production is one of the biggest productions I’ve ever worked in. Also, I haven’t been back (in) Singapore for over 13 years ago, so I’m really excited. I’m looking forward to my first day off so I can go exploring. We have no idea what we’ll do yet, but we’ll probably check out the Gardens (By the Bay).
Do share with us your journey as a performer.
My mom is a 13th generation circus artist so I was “grown” into it since I was a kid. I used to do acrobats with my dad and mom. But I started liking more dangerous stuff, so I went to do Rola when I was 14, and I’ve been doing it ever since.
Apart from performing, you also help out the crew behind the scenes with setting up the tent and such. Why is that so?
I grew up in a circus family so we always work – be it building the tent of performing, it’s like non-stop working, working, working. Even if I have a day off, I’ll get bored by the end of the day and I will want to get back to work.
If you had to choose between working behind the scenes and performing, which one would choose and why?
I would choose to perform. It’s the adrenaline when you’re performing (that I like) – the rush. When people like it, you can really feel that they enjoy it and you just feel happy.
When you perform your stunts, are you ever scared?
I don’t get scared anymore. I do get nervous in case I make a mistake and people won’t like it. But that’s also why I always try harder so they do. But yeah, I don’t get scared, mostly because of the adrenaline. You just get used to it.
How many hours of practice go into your performances?
When I was younger, when I was 12 to about 21 years old, I used to do six hours a day at least. You’re putting the base for your act properly, then when you get more comfortable, you put in maybe one or two hours. The show is enough practice after a while.
Why should people catch The Great Moscow Circus?
Because it is a massive show. It’s just going to be pumped with action, danger, fun, and comedy. The clowns are going to be awesome, and the really good jugglers. It’s got everything you need.
Performance schedules and tickets for The Great Moscow Circus are available at www.sistic.com.sg. For more information, visit the event website.
Photos by Nigel Noah Chan of the DANAMIC team.
