Teame Ersie can bend and twist his body in ways people may never have imagined.
Since he was 12, the Hoppers Crossing resident has been perfecting his contortion skills.
He has performed at festivals in his native Ethiopia, touring with his small company called Circus Berahle, as well as in China, Turkey and Russia.
But it was a tour to Australia in 2010 that convinced Mr Ersie that he had more to learn.
“When I came to Australia, I wanted to develop some new skills and improve what I was doing already,” he said.
“After the tour, I decided to stay on in Australia so that I could study, and in 2011 I started at the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA).
“The course it’s not just about performing, it’s about creating, directing and learning how shows come together.”
From next week, Ersie will showcase his skills during NICA’s latest show, Dreams from the Second Floor.
Directed by Firenza Guidi, from NoFit State Circus in Wales, the show features graduating NICA students, including Ersie, who says the show is “really different” from most people’s previous experiences … This is more theatrical and about storytelling.”
The show is at NICA’s National Circus Centre, 39 Green Street, Prahran, from November 26-December 6. More details are at www.nica.com.au.
