We spoke with Chris to reflect on the experience, his time in Ukraine, and his future vision for Australian–Ukrainian circus collaboration.
“People were emotional and surprised”
Circus Life: Chris, you had a chance to present your film and also support the Circus Life exhibition with photos and stories about the Ukrainian circus kids. How did the audience react?
Chris Mayhew: The response was incredibly heartfelt. A lot of the attendees had some connection to Ukraine — either they’ve lived there or have family there. They were impressed by the children’s skills, especially considering these kids are training during wartime. Many were also surprised at how moving the film and exhibition were. Some people even got emotional, especially after seeing the scenes of children taking shelter during air raids.
“The explosions. The shelters. The reality.”
Circus Life: What, in your view, was the most emotionally impactful moment?
Chris Mayhew: Without a doubt, it was hearing the real explosions I captured on video and seeing the kids in the bomb shelters. Not just the Ale-Up students, but also very young children in the Kyiv Palace of Children — some as young as five — sitting there with their parents. It gave everyone a real sense of the ongoing horror that often doesn’t make it into the media here.
Circus of Resilience: How Irpin’s Studio Bounced Back from War’s Grip — read at CircusLife.com.ua
Seeing children train, smile, and perform against this backdrop of trauma — that contrast really stayed with people.
A collaborative event driven by community, art, and history
Circus Life: Who helped organize the event in Perth?
Chris Mayhew: The entire event was led and organized by Dr Lesa Melnyczuk, and it simply wouldn’t have happened without her. She was the driving force behind every element — from securing the venue and promoting the event to curating the atmosphere that made it feel so personal and meaningful.
In addition to hosting the photo exhibition by Circus Life and screening my film “A Delicate Balance”, Lesa also presented her newly published book on circus history. It gave people a much broader cultural context for understanding the importance of circus as both an art form and a social movement.
I was responsible for sharing the film and giving a short talk, and one of my students from The Circus Centre performed before the screening.
Bringing Ukraine’s circus experience home
Circus Life: You spent several months in Kyiv last year, working closely with Oleh Kurinskyi and the Ale-Up team. Did that experience influence how you now teach or run your school?
Chris Mayhew: Absolutely. I’ve shown my coaching team the footage of Ale-Up’s basic training, and we’ve already adopted some of their techniques. We’re placing greater focus on foundational handstand work, and it’s inspired both our trainers and students.
Watching Ukrainian youth stay so committed and disciplined — despite the war — has lit a fire in our students back home.
Building bridges between Australian and Ukrainian circus schools
Circus Life: Do you see a future for broader collaboration between circus communities in Ukraine and Australia?
Chris Mayhew: Absolutely. That’s not just something I hope for — it’s something I’m actively working toward. The level of discipline, technical depth, and artistry I saw in Ukraine — especially among young performers — is remarkable. I believe Australia has so much to learn from Ukraine’s teaching culture, especially in terms of early technical development and the emphasis on strong foundational work from a young age.
Right now, I’m reaching out to organizations like the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) and other training bodies across the states. My goal is to initiate a cross-cultural program — something more than a single exchange. Ideally, I’d love to create an ongoing partnership where schools from both countries can share curriculum, training videos, host guest coaches, or even set up reciprocal visits for students.
I’m also looking at how we can tour the Circus Life photo exhibition and my film to major institutions and festivals across Australia — not just to raise awareness, but to spark real connections and interest. If we can generate enough interest from Australian audiences, government, and the circus sector, it could pave the way for residencies, collaborative performances, and even a long-term Australian–Ukrainian Youth Circus Fellowship.
To me, it’s not just about cultural appreciation — it’s about solidarity. Ukraine’s circus artists are still performing, still creating beauty in the middle of war. If we in Australia — safe and privileged as we are — can offer support, visibility, or opportunity, then it’s our duty as artists and educators to do so.
More stories to tell: planning a return to Ukraine
Circus Life: What’s next? Do you plan to return to Ukraine?
Chris Mayhew: Yes, I’m absolutely planning to return — and not just for a short visit. My goal is to spend several weeks, maybe even a few months again, depending on logistics and support. I’d love to go beyond just revisiting the Ale-Up Circus School and explore other institutions across the country — in Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, wherever possible.
Watch the episode of Bla Bla Circus podcast where Max Sydorenko and Chris Mayhew discuss the potential of possible collaboration between Ukrainian and Australian circus arts: Episode #15
I want to create a more detailed and layered documentary — something that captures the broader ecosystem of Ukrainian circus education during the war. That includes filming interviews with young performers, following their daily lives, showing not just how they train but how they live, cope, and dream. I’m also interested in documenting different styles of teaching across schools, the various disciplines being practiced, and how the war has shaped each institution differently.
Another big part of this return trip would be forming long-term connections — not just as a visitor, but as a partner. I’d like to co-develop workshops, find ways for Ukrainian trainers to visit Australia, and perhaps even co-produce media content that tells these stories more powerfully on the international stage. There’s a rich, largely untold story here, and I see it as part of my responsibility now to help share it with the world.
Seeking support and building momentum
Circus Life: Are you looking for support to help implement these ideas?
Chris Mayhew: I am. I’ve already met with the Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia, and I hope to send him more detailed information soon. I’m also preparing proposals for artistic funding bodies in Australia — anything that could help support the next round of documentation, exhibition tours, or exchange programs.
If anyone — whether in media, government, or the arts — wants to help or connect me with the right people, I’d be truly grateful. The momentum is there; we just need a little help pushing it forward.
What’s happening now at The Circus Centre?
Circus Life: What are your plans at your school before your next trip?
Chris Mayhew: We’ve just started a new semester at The Circus Centre, and enrollment is strong — over 200 students. I’m currently finalising programs, preparing my coaching team, and looking at the longer-term structure so things can run smoothly while I’m away.
Another idea I’ve been exploring is inviting a Ukrainian coach to Perth. I think it could be a meaningful experience on both sides — for the trainer, our students, and the broader circus community here. It’s a way to deepen the partnership while offering real-world opportunities for cultural exchange.
