Natano Faanana – Co-Founder – natano@casus.com.au
Natano Fa’anana’s unique style of performance draws inspiration from his Samoan roots, fused with acrobatics, aerials and dance.
“As Samoans we are encouraged to sing and perform our old songs and dances from the islands. At a family function, a wedding or a traditional ceremonies we sing or dance to celebrate or acknowledge that particular event. This remains part of you wherever you are and this is a driving force for my performance and creating process.”
He has achieved international recognition through his work with the award winning Polytoxic Theatre Company, as Co-creator and Performer in Briefs Factory, and in his current role as Co-founder, Creative Director of Casus Circus.
Natano is also the Director of Chasing Smoke, Australia’s first all indigenous contemporary circus show which won the Green Room Award in 2017 for Best Circus and Physical Theatre.
Independently Natano has a string of awards both as a circus performer and director. Significantly more recently winning two Matilda Awards for We Live Here, in the categories for Best Circus and Physical Theatre Show and Best Director, in conjunction with co-director Bridget Boyle.
Natano was awarded the prestigious Sidney Myer Fellowship 2019 acknowledging his contribution to Humanities through his artistic practice.
Natano was in his thirties when he pursued a career in performance. His choice to learn from individuals rather than through schools or institutions has given him the freedom to blend different styles of performance, movement and culture ultimately creating artistry unique to Natano values: accessibility, culture, quality and diversity. His commitment to campaign for greater diversity on the contemporary circus stage a driving force and well reflected in his works to date.
