Launceston-based acrobat, circus performer, and movement coach Conor Wild is a co-founder of ROOKE, a Tasmanian contemporary circus company. He’s also the director/creator of Nimble, a new show touring Tasmania throughout October

Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I was born in London. I spent my twenties touring the world as a circus artist. In 2015 I got a job with Circa and moved to Australia. It was there I met my wife, Freyja. After a few international adventures we’ve settled down in Launceston.

What disciplines do you specialise in and why are you drawn to them?
I specialise in Chinese pole, soft acrobatics and group acrobatics. I’ve always been drawn to physical extremes, and the meeting place of grace and dynamism. I think all those disciplines speak to that. I like the physical and aesthetic purity of the human body in relation to the floor / a pole / another human. I also love falling; that moment of suspension – dancing with gravity and catching yourself, or someone else just before hitting the floor.

How did ROOKE begin and what does it set out to do?
ROOKE began in 2021 when Tony Rooke brought together Lewie West, Mieke Lizotte, Freyja Wild and I. The five of us made Tony’s Imaginary Circus for Junction Arts Festival, and after five sold out shows we realised Tasmania was hungry for what we had to offer. We became a not-for-profit organisation and have now made seven original works, toured around the state and interstate. ROOKE lifts people up – pun intended – we create works to inspire and uplift our audiences and our artists. We’re always striving to push the boundaries of contemporary circus as a form.

Nimble will tour Tasmania in October. What can people expect from the show?
Nimble is cheeky, playful and full of heart. Three acrobats, a hula hoop, a roll of tape, more boxes than you’d expect and a very large jenga set make for a wild ride. There are moments of tension, hilarity, tenderness, beauty and joy. You can expect acrobatics, balancing, hula-hooping and the highest stakes jenga game you’ve ever seen.

What’s your creative process when directing a live show like Nimble?
I often start with a concept and/or a set or prop element, usually something quite simple – for Nimble it was boundaries and wooden blocks/boxes. I then explore a huge range of ideas and concepts around those things, first on my own, then with the artists, and begin to distill the best bits and see how they might fit together. I like to give the artists a lot of space to play and improvise early on, and to give them permission to really be themselves and put their personality into the work, as well as their skills. Once we’ve got the structure we work in, ask ‘why’ lots, try to smooth out transitions and hard edges, hone jokes, clarify rules and relationships. Play. Laugh. Ask ‘why’ some more.

What’s something you wish more people knew about circus?
I think circus can be underestimated. It’s so much more than sequins, sawdust, smiles and skills, and has come far from the era of big tops and elephants. I wish more people knew what a rich, visceral and diverse form it is. I wish people knew that circus can move you, teach you and hold you. I can’t believe how often we get audience feedback that is so touching it gives me shivers.

Who do you admire?
So many people, I’m so very lucky to have lots of wonderful friends who do amazing things on the daily. But I think top of the list is my wife, Freyja. She cares so much, and works so hard to make this world a better place.

Favourite podcast or tv show?
I’m really enjoying the Diary of a CEO podcast. Although my nerdy pleasure is Critical Role.

Secret vice?
Dungeons and Dragons.

What are you reading now?
The Power and the Grace by Joanne Elphinston.

Do you have any pets?
Nope. But when I was a kid I used to tell people who asked that we had flies…

What was your first job?
I worked in a shop in an ice rink.

What are your daily news/social media habits?
Very few. I try to stay off social media mostly.

Your favourite place for…
Breakfast: I don’t eat breakfast, but I would recommend PSB for a morning coffee.
Lunch: Tatler Lane by Sweet Brew.
Dinner: SmallGrain / Pachinko / Spice on Charles.

Dream holiday destination?
I loved both Iceland and Japan and would love to go back. I’d also love to visit Vietnam.

Favourite Tasmanian secret?
Well, that would be telling…

Parting words?
Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.