Documenting, Circa’s Duck Pond at The Round.
Documenting Circa’s Duck Pond at The Round, Melbourne — a breathtaking blend of circus, ballet and storytelling in a venue built on inclusion and connection. This performance brought together art, emotion and community in one unforgettable night.
Why Art Venues Matter
It’s no secret the arts industry has taken a hit in recent years. Venues like The Round remind us why live performance matters. To walk into a state-of-the-art theatre, surrounded by people of all ages and backgrounds, felt like stepping into a heartbeat of creativity. Kids, families, older generations, and fellow creatives filled the room—proof that art still connects us.
For me, as a documentary photographer, it’s these in-between moments—the laughter before the curtain rises, the quiet anticipation in the dark—that tell the real story.
A Venue Built on Inclusion and Connection
Walking into The Round for the first time, I was honestly blown away. The space itself is beautiful—open, intentional, and inclusive. Every corner feels like it’s been designed to welcome everyone. From Indigenous cultural acknowledgment to accessibility that runs from front to back of house, it’s clear this is a venue that values people and connection as much as the art it holds.
It’s rare to find a theatre that feels this human. The Round in Nunawading, Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, stands out not just for its architecture, but for its ethos. It’s an inclusive arts venue that genuinely celebrates belonging, ensuring every visitor—artist, audience or staff—feels respected.
Circa’s Duck Pond: Where Ballet Meets Circus
Then came Duck Pond. Circa have reimagined one of the world’s most romantic ballets and turned it into a circus spectacular. It’s bold, cheeky, emotional and full of heart.
Sequinned, flipper-wearing ducks. A burlesque black swan. Sumptuous aerials. Feathers everywhere. Each act built on the last, blending humour with tenderness, acrobatics with grace. It’s a production that takes risks and rewards its audience with something unforgettable.
This isn’t a straightforward retelling—it’s a story of identity and finding your true self, told through movement, mayhem, and magic.
Documenting the Magic
Being invited to document Duck Pond at The Round was a privilege. The energy in the room, the laughter, the gasps—it was electric. There’s something deeply powerful about photographing a space where creativity, inclusivity, and performance collide.
As the performers soared through the air, the audience leaned forward, completely absorbed. That’s the beauty of Circa—they pull you in, body and soul.
The images speak for themselves.
Look how many people it takes to do this insane move!
About The Round
Located in Nunawading, The Round is one of Melbourne’s most exciting new performance spaces. Purpose-built for accessibility, cultural recognition, and creative inclusion, it’s a hub for artists and audiences alike. From local productions to world-class performances like Circa’s Duck Pond, it’s a place where connection takes centre stag
Want to see more awesome shots of the performance? I have prepared a slideshow just for you…