A gravity-defying acrobatic production that wowed Edinburgh Fringe crowds and broke box-office records in Europe is coming to Newcastle.
Wolf, by contemporary circus company Circa, will make its Civic Theatre debut during this year's New Annual festival.
When Circa last visited Newcastle, it transformed Christ Church Cathedral into an unforgettable performance space as part of New Annual's 2023 program.
Festival director Tory Loudon said Wolf was an example of how New Annual offered audiences the chance to experience world-class artists without having to travel to a capital city.
"Circa are one of the world's best performing arts companies, having captivated more than 2 million people with their boundary-pushing blend of music, dance, theatre and circus," Ms Loudon said.
"They made a huge impression on audiences with their sold-out performances at the cathedral in 2023, so it's fantastic they're coming back to Newcastle with a new show that so far has only been seen once before in Australia.
"We're thrilled to include them as part of this year's New Annual festival, which offers an exciting and diverse program championing local stories and talent alongside the best of international and Australian live theatre, music and art."
Wolf debuted in Germany in 2024 and has toured 12 countries. Its only previous Australian performances to date were two sold-out shows in Brisbane last November.
The production offers a thrilling mix of acrobatics, artistry and primal instincts, with 10 performers pushing their bodies to the limit as they grasp, tear, climb, leap and balance with fierce abandon.
Circa artistic director Yaron Lifschitz said Wolf delivers an evolution of intense choreographies that overflow with raw energy and astounding physicality.
"Wolf is a savage, thrilling ride, a fierce maelstrom of acrobatic bodies. The way they hold, the way they crash and connect," he said.
"Circus can move you and be a powerful, emotional medium ... Wolf is that, distilled and clarified."
New Annual will run from September 25 to October 4. This will be the sixth edition of City of Newcastle's flagship arts festival, which is delivered by City of Newcastle with funding from the NSW Government in association with a Multicultural NSW Stronger Together grant, Transport for NSW Permit/Plug/Play pilot program and Create NSW.
The University of Newcastle is a presenting partner for this year's festival.
Other highlights of the 2026 New Annual program already announced include a new Night Flowers exhibition by internationally recognised former Newcastle photographer Damien Frost, and an immersive art party inspired by his work to be held at Newcastle nightspot Bartholomew's. Tickets for the Twisted art party are on sale now.
The Newcastle Ocean Baths will once again be transformed into a live music venue with the return of the free sunset live music sessions, SOAK, while Civic Park will play host to the theatrical-style carnival atmosphere of Spiegeltent during its extended season of Loca Vida.
The full New Annual program will be announced on July 31. To keep up to date with the latest festival news visit newannual.com
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