Beware the temptation of adults-only New Zealand circus troupe’s Goblin Market

“Spectacular, magnificent and breathtaking are a few of the words that describe contemporary circus show The Goblin Market,” according to stuff.co.nz.

The Goblin Market is a recent production from New Zealand circus performance troupe The Dust Palace. The show is inspired by Christina Rossetti’s poem about two sisters, one of whom is tempted by the goblin merchants who sell fruit by the stream from which they draw their water. Needless to say, no good comes when the sister exchanges a lock of her hair for a piece of fruit.

In The Dust Palace palace version, three performers (Eve Gordon, Rochelle Mangan, and Edward Clendon) interpret the story’s dark, sensuous elements with acrobatic feats, nudity and sexual scenes. The adults-only circus production is sure to spice up this fall’s Vancouver arts lineup.

Published in 1862, Rossetti’s Goblin Market is considered to be a vibrant feminist work with themes of female power, sexuality, sisterly love and sorority. The Dust Palace is known for mind-blowing, genre-bending entertainment. Previous shows have included Ithaca, a large-cast science fiction retelling of Homer’s The Odyssey, and Top of the Heap, a family-friendly production. Watch the trailer for The Goblin Market here.

Praise for The Dust Palace’s The Goblin Market:

“Superbly choreographed acrobatics featuring the finely muscled bodies and disciplined athleticism of highly trained performers” —New Zealand Herald

“The most common word on everyone’s lips: Spectacular!” —Theatreview (New Zealand)

The Goblin Market comes to the York Theatre Oct. 3-7 and 10-14 (8 p.m. performances), and is recommended for audience members over 16. Visit thecultch.com for tickets.