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 is an expansive artform that traverses disciplines, forms, and continents. A vehicle for physical prowess, poetry and humour, circus of every scale features in festival line-ups around the globe. Chaired by Brisbane Festival's CEO, Charlie Cush, this conversation brings together three distinctly different companies who are creating work that resonates across borders, cultures, and generations.
How do circus artists balance freedom and fear to deliver internationally renowned work? Where does cultural story-telling meet the universal language of circus? How does physical expression transcend language? What makes circus arts resonate across generations?
Featuring Jacques Heim (Diavolo), Sachiko Soro (VOU Fijian Flying Circus), and Allie Wilde (Vulcana Circus).
Venue
South Bank Town Hall
Prices & Ticket Info
Free
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.