MEET THE KURIOS AUSSIE BOYS

Nathan Dennis and Fletcher Donohue are touring Australia in the Cirque Du Soleil production, Kurios – Cabinet Of Curiosities. They spoke to DNA…

NATHAN DENNIS

DNA: You were inspired by Cirque du Soleil at a very young age. What happened? Nathan: Yes, I saw my first Cirque du Soleil show when I was 13; it was Saltimbanco. I turned to my mum and said, “I’m going to do this one day.” I worked hard toward my dream and auditioned when I finished school. One year later, when I was 20, I was offered a contract on Saltimbanco!

What’s most special about this current production, Kurios?

There are some new acts that have never been performed on a Cirque du Soleil stage and those acts that you may have seen before have a special twist added to them.

Is it true that circus performers can eat whatever they like because they burn off the calories every night?

It helps to have a physical job but I wouldn’t say we can eat whatever we want. Onsite we have a kitchen and four chefs, they prepare most of our food so it’s easy to eat healthy.

What are you most looking forward to during the Australian tour of Kurios? Mostly to performing in my hometown of Brisbane and having my whole family in the audience. It will be quite the full circle moment having my mum watching, knowing that 13 years ago I was sitting right next to her.

FLETCHER DONOHUE

DNA: How long have you been performing in Kurios?

Fletcher: I’m coming up to my third year with Kurios. Before that I was working and residing in Las Vegas with the Cirque du Soleil show The Beatles Love.

Tell us about your character in the show.

I’m a house troupe artist meaning I get to play many characters. I’ll often change my costume or character five times in a show. Kurios offers the audience a strong acrobatic show with excellent storytelling and characters, this offers a unique challenge for us and a way to keep things fresh and exciting. I also understudy one of the main characters, Mr Microcosmos. You’re an acronet artist. What does that mean? The Acronet is the world’s largest trampoline. Think backyard trampoline antics times seven… that’s how many acrobats share this rebound playground taking heights of 13 metres with the most air time of any act in Cirque du Soleil.

Are you in the best shape of your life?

I definitely feel good in my skin and my body is able to do all that is asked of it.

What are you most looking forward to during the Australian tour of Kurios?

I’m just excited that I get to help share this truly wonderful show with my home country. It’s always special to have a home crowd.