Sunday, 01 June
1.30pm

The Australian circus has a long and rich history of featuring Aboriginal performers both nationally and internationally. Freakshow To Big Top looks at the dark and light side of that circus history.

In the 19th century Aborigines were exhibited as 'sideshow savages'.

In the early 20th century the famous Con Colleano and his family of trapeze artists - who pretended they were Hawaiian to avoid social prejudice - were stars of Barnum and Bailey, and one of the highest paid circus acts in the world.

And now the 'Bre Circus project' features contemporary Indigenous circus acts incorporating Hip-hop and traditional dance with circus acrobatics.

Freakshow To Big Top acknowledges the power of the Aboriginal spirit to both survive and entertain when provided with the opportunity to shine. It's a story of pride and empowerment through the ages.

Message Stick: Freak Show To Big Top will be repeated on ABC2 – Monday, June 02 at 4:30pm