Talk of the Town: Collective bodies, international spaces
Originating in the 18th Century, international circus arts have evolved beyond the Big Top.
In 2026, contemporary circus has evolved into an expansive artform that traverses disciplines, forms and continents. Blending acrobatics, dance, theatre and visual spectacle, it is a vehicle for physical prowess, poetry and humour. From intimate works to large-scale productions, these performances feature in festival line-ups around the world. Chaired by Brisbane Festival CEO Charlie Cush, this conversation brings together three distinctive companies creating work that resonates across borders, cultures and generations.
How do artists balance freedom and fear to create internationally acclaimed work? Where does cultural storytelling meet the universal language of movement? How does physical expression transcend language? And what is it about physical performance that continues to resonate across generations?
Featuring Jacques Heim (Diavolo), Sachiko Soro (VOU Fijian Flying Circus), and Allie Wilde (Vulcana Circus).
Venue
South Bank Town Hall
Accessibility
- Auslan Interpreted Event
- Wheelchair Access
Credits
Image credit: Cheryl Mann
Artists
Jacques Heim
Jacques Heim is a Creative Director & Choreographer from Paris, France.
He founded DIAVOLO in 1992, immediately after graduating from the California Institute of the Arts. With DIAVOLO, Heim cultivated his signature aesthetic: a fusion of dance, acrobatics, athleticism, and pedestrian movement. Since then, DIAVOLO has performed all over the world, including prominent features on America’s Got Talent and the 2024 GRAMMYs.
Allie Wilde
In 2025, Allie Wilde (she/her) stepped into the role of Artistic Director of Vulcana, bringing more than 30 years’ experience as a performer, director, producer, educator and arts leader.
Born in London and based in Australia since 1991, Allie's practice spans contemporary circus, physical theatre and interdisciplinary performance across Australia and Southeast Asia. She has created work in settings ranging from schools and community halls to city streets, festivals and large-scale public events, always with a commitment to bold, inclusive and community-centred arts practice.
A passionate collaborator, Allie is fascinated by the ability of contemporary circus to transcend language, communicate across cultures, build trust and create powerful shared experiences across generations. Her work sits at the intersection of professional artistic practice and community participation, exploring how contemporary performance can foster creativity, connection and belonging.
Having been connected to Vulcana as a board member, volunteer, trainer and creative collaborator, Allie now provides the organisation's artistic leadership, working alongside the Vulcana team as it builds on more than three decades of feminist leadership through contemporary circus and community arts.
Sachiko Soro
Sachiko along with the VOU Tribe are on a mission to make magic moments!
In 2007 Sachiko founded the VOU Dance Company – a social enterprise in the Fiji Islands. Since its inception to now employing 82 people, mostly Fijian artists. VOU has toured to some of the world’s biggest festivals in over 35 countries, and VOU has started Fiji’s first tertiary dance institution the Conservatorium of Dance.
In 2019 VOU Dance Company opened VOU HUB Fiji – Fiji’s first artist run venue. The VOU HUB big top is a 300-seat performance venue that hosts performances by VOU and other artists, and unique experiences and events for local and tourist audiences.
In 2024 VOU launched Fiji’s first circus the Fijian Flying Circus blending Fijian textures and storytelling with daring aerial feats!
Every year VOU Foundation provides 20 youth full scholarships to study a diploma of dance. Sachiko is passionate about supporting Fijian artists into fulfilling and sustainable career paths and providing opportunities for young Fijians to research into their cultural heritage.
After completing primary and secondary school in Fiji, Sachiko attended the University of Auckland, completing a Bachelor of Music in Composition, a Bachelor of Performing arts in Dance and a Post Graduate Honors with first class honors in Dance Studies.
Sachiko lives with her dancing machine husband and two overly energetic sons in Nadi, Fiji.
Charlie Cush
Charlie Cush has been CEO of Brisbane Festival since 2018, overseeing one of Australia’s major city-wide festivals and a cornerstone of Brisbane’s cultural calendar. Under his leadership in 2025, the Festival engaged more than 2,200 artists, attracted over two million attendances and generated $64.76 million in gross economic impact. Previously General Manager of Circa, Cush helped grow the company into a global leader in contemporary circus, touring to 40 countries. His career also spans senior public-sector roles in arts, culture and place-based strategy, alongside current advisory positions focused on sustainable and vibrant nighttime economies.