Australia’s Circus Oz makes Penn State debut in ‘Straight Up’ Feb. 7

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — For more than three decades, Melbourne’s Circus Oz has shared its unabashed Australian sense of humor and slapstick antics with audiences worldwide. The lighthearted and acrobatically intense troupe will make its Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State debut with “Straight Up” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, in Eisenhower Auditorium on the University Park campus.

According to Circus Oz member Matt Wilson, “Straight Up” is a return to the troupe’s more traditional circus format — a character-based clowning and acrobatic performance. “The show reflects what Circus Oz is: This is us, straight up.”

In addition to the group’s jugglers, aerialists and acrobats, most of the members play instruments, which transforms the show into an animal-free rock-and-roll circus performance.

A San Francisco Chronicle reviewer called the troupe “a bit punk, undeniably in your face, refreshingly progressive, unapologetically off color and gleefully Australian.” Wilson expounded on the comedy aspect of the show.

“It’s pretty self-deprecating, in a way. We like to show the side of ourselves that fails, that’s always funny,” he said. “It’s a bit cheeky, a bit irreverent. We don’t mind having a go at authority.”

Artistic Viewpoints, an informal moderated discussion featuring a visiting artist or artists, is offered in Eisenhower one hour before the performance and is free for ticket holders. Artistic Viewpoints regularly fills to capacity, so seating is available on a first-arrival basis.

Benson and Christine Lichtig, William Rabinowitz and Shirley Sacks sponsor the performance. MAJIC 99 is the media sponsor.

For more information about the performance, visit Circus Oz or call 814-863-0255.

Patrons are welcome to bring a contribution for a book drive aimed at supporting Mid-State Literacy Council’s efforts to improve reading and learning proficiency in children. Titles with reading levels of preschool to sixth grade are preferred. Blue collection buckets are located in the Eisenhower lobby during regular business hours — Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — and during performances.

Find the Center for the Performing Arts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.