A YOUTH circus production exploring climate anxiety, mental health and political division is ending on a hopeful note at Perth’s State Theatre Centre this weekend.

Eclipse, by CircusWA, runs until Friday July 4 (if you’ve got an early Chook) in Studio Underground, taking audiences from a dystopian future to one of renewal through a blend of circus, physical theatre and live music.

It’s a striking departure from the notion of circus being a bit of tumbling and juggling, with the young performers delivering an important message.

• Circus WA performers during Eclipse’s development. Photo by Tashi Hall

Originally developed during the Covid pandemic, the production asks how young people can create “a world where we can thrive, grow and renew ourselves” despite mounting environmental and social challenges.

The themes remain strikingly relevant, with the performance tackling climate change, mental health and political extremism while ultimately delivering a message of resilience and hope.

The immersive show also provides emerging performers with the chance to work alongside professional artists, developing new skills through collaboration and live performance.

Circus WA artistic director Jo Smith says one member of the cast, Ayuba SOQS, is unable to perform after returning to Nigeria while his application for permanent residency is considered. Their request for an artists visa to return for the production was knocked back by the immigration department.

Eclipse continues at Studio Underground in the State Theatre Centre of WA until Friday, July 4.