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Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians

We pay our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestors of this land, their spirits and their legacy. The foundations laid by these ancestors give strength, inspiration and courage to current and future generations, both First Nations and non-First Nations peoples, towards creating a better Queensland.

  • …
  • What’s On
  • 2026
  • Circa Duck Pond
Duck Pond
  • Circus and Physical

circaduckpond26 Duck Pond QPAC, Circa Circus and Physical Circa Duck Pond

13 - 16 May 2026
Playhouse
On Sale Wed 11 Mar 9:00 AM
$59 - $69 *
* A transaction fee of $7.50 applies.
1 hour 15 minutes
no interval, subject to change without notice

Overview

Feathers will fly in Circa's exuberant take on Swan Lake

The world’s most romantic ballet is re-imagined as a circus spectacular, full of Circa’s signature physicality and shot through with cheeky humour and a thoroughly contemporary energy.

Be swept away by this tale of swans and hapless princes sparkling with quirky touches like the sequinned flipper-wearing duck army and a burlesque black swan. There are sumptuous aerials, jaw-dropping acrobatics and of course feathers! Touching, funny and utterly entertaining, Duck Pond is a tale of identity and finding your true self.

About Circa

Circa is one of the world’s great performing arts companies. Since 2004, they have called Brisbane, Australia, home while touring the world, captivating audiences in over 45 countries and reaching more than two million people. Their award-winning performances have earned standing ovations, rave reviews and sold-out shows across six continents. 
 
Everything they do is fuelled by their core values: quality, audacity, humanity. 
They are at the forefront of the new wave of contemporary Australian circus, redefining the art form by showcasing how extreme physicality can forge powerful and emotive experiences.  
 
They are relentless in the way they push boundaries, blending movement, dance, theatre and circus. 
 
Under the visionary leadership of Yaron Lifschitz, and in collaboration with their extraordinary ensemble of circus artists, they craft a diverse array of productions that constitute “a revolution in the spectacle of circus” (Les Echos). 
 
Each year they tour their shows across the world and premiere multiple new creations. They are a staple at prestigious festivals and venues in New York, London, Berlin and Montreal as well as throughout Queensland and across Australia. 
 
Their extensive engagement programs, including Circa Academy, Circability and Circa Cairns (a First Nations-led circus initiative) provide access, participation and professional development outcomes. They have delivered major projects including the Creative Lead on the Commonwealth Games Festival 2018 and managing Artour for the Queensland Government. 
 
They invite you to join them as they continue to “redraw the limits to which circus can aspire” (The Age). 
 
Discover more about Circa at circa.org.au.
  • ★★★★★
    A masterful presentation of exhilarating talent.
    Standing Innovation
  • ★★★★⯪
    Unmissable...a production designed not just to be watched, but to be felt.
    Hang Out Room
  • ★★★★⯪
    A daring circus twist on Swan Lake that balances beauty, danger, and cheeky irreverence.
    Melbournise Me
  • ★★★★⯪
    Duck Pond may just be one of the most exhilarating and thought-provoking shows you will see this year.
    Arts Hub
  • ★★★★
    A wonderfully polished take on modern circus
    The Age
  • ★★★★
    Graceful aerial solos. Jaw dropping lifts. Superhuman balances. Swan Lake as you’ve never seen it before.
    The Times
  • ★★★★
    Thoroughly entertaining. This circus mash-up of swan lake and the ugly duckling is a seasonal treat.
    Time Out

Important Information

Age Recommendation

Recommended for ages 8+.

Playhouse Visual and Sensory Guide

The Playhouse Visual and Sensory Guide [PDF, 2 MB] provides information on what you can expect while visiting QPAC.

Official ticketing service for QPAC

QTIX is our official ticketing service with selected packages sold through authorised resellers only. Read more about purchasing tickets online.

Gallery

  • Duck PondDaniel Boud
  • Duck PondDaniel Boud
  • Duck PondDaniel Boud
  • Duck PondDaniel Boud
  • Duck PondDaniel Boud
  • Duck PondDaniel Boud
  • Duck PondDaniel Boud
  • Duck PondDaniel Boud
  • Duck PondDaniel Boud
  • Duck PondDaniel Boud

Creatives

  • Created by Yaron Lifschitz and the Circa Ensemble
  • Director Yaron Lifschitz
  • Composer & Sound Designer Jethro Woodward
  • Costume Designer Libby McDonnell
  • Lighting Designer Alexander Berlage
  • Dramaturg/Associate Choreographer Rani Luther
  • Associate Director Marty Evans

QPAC's Creative Learning Program

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  • World Science Festival Brisbane

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    27 Mar 2026, 1pm
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    It’s time to put Australia’s favourite science communicator, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki in the hot seat with Q&A with Dr Karl. 

  • Bright Future Careers with Dr Karl

    World Science Festival Brisbane Bright Future Careers with Dr Karl

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    Australia’s most famous science communicator, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki explores how science opens doors to the jobs of tomorrow.

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  • Duck Pond

    Circa Duck Pond

    14 May 2026, 1pm
    Playhouse

    A glittering circus mash-up by Circa bringing together the worlds of Swan Lake and The Ugly Duckling.

  • Macbeth

    Macbeth

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    In celebration of its 20th anniversary, revered production house Shake & Stir tackle Shakespeare’s most-gripping tragedy, Macbeth.

Stay up to date with QPAC news. Subscribe to QPAC emails.
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