Adelaide’s Botanic Park is set to approach alive with unexpected encounters as WOMADelaide welcomes a vibrant array of roving performances next weekend. Among the featured artists are Melbourne-based physical theatre ensemble Born in a Taxi (BIAT) and Spanish street theatre group Osadía, both promising immersive and interactive experiences for festival-goers. These performances aren’t simply entertainment. they represent a decades-long evolution of street art, transforming public spaces into stages for spontaneous connection and playful disruption.
For BIAT, the journey began in the 1990s, a time when their non-verbal, street-based performances often met with confusion – and sometimes, even confrontation. Members recall being “punched while pretending to be statues, chased by a gang of frenzied teenagers, escaping mobs from a rugby game in New Zealand,” according to reporting from the ABC. Co-artistic directors Penny Baron and Carolyn Hanna reflect that things have changed significantly, not just for their company, but for the acceptance of this art form itself. “Roving performance catches audiences unawares. It creates an in-breath and a moment to feel moved, amused, surprised, delighted or even outraged,” they said.
BIAT will present five distinct works at WOMADelaide, including a travelling bed on wheels, a “dazzle of zebras,” and a playful take on security with three “seriously stupid security guards” who reimagine crowd control as an art form. Audiences can as well expect “high priestesses of ritual choosing and anointing audiences with ‘rituals of the senses’” and a troupe of “fashionistas out to party like the end is nigh.” The company, established in 1989, is known for its ensemble movement improvisation and commitment to accessible art, as detailed on their official website.
The impact of roving performance extends beyond mere entertainment, according to BIAT. They see it as “the glue that gels a festival together in the spirit of play,” bridging the gap between staged events and creating unexpected moments of intimacy. This philosophy is rooted in years of experience, including a memorable performance at the Oerol Festival in the Netherlands where their improvisation led them directly into a stranger’s home – and onto their front lawn, much to the amusement of onlookers.
Osadía: The Courage to Be Seen
Spanish street theatre group Osadía brings a different, yet equally compelling, dimension to the concept of audience interaction. Their performance, described as “artistic hair sculpting,” challenges viewers to confront their comfort zones and embrace visibility. Originating from a Barcelona festival concept called “Style it or Crop it,” Osadía invites audience members to choose between having their hair sculpted into elaborate designs or having it completely shaved off.
“The response was extraordinary,” explains Alejandro Rendon Pajon of Osadía. “Men and women alike stepped forward, willing to turn into part of a live, public transformation.” The act, however, is not merely aesthetic; it’s a psychological exploration of vulnerability and courage. Pajon notes that the transformation becomes a “shared ritual,” offering volunteers a “thrill of visibility” and allowing the audience to witness the bravery required to stand out. The experience, often captured and shared on social media, can be profoundly empowering, leaving participants with a renewed sense of self-expression.
A History of Roving Magic at WOMADelaide
Roving performances have been a staple of WOMADelaide for over three decades. Past spectacles have included Archibald Caramantran’s giant puppets in 2020, Artonik’s explosive Colour of Time and illuminated installations like Luke Jerram’s Earth. These performances, as BIAT emphasizes, transform the festival experience, creating a sense of anticipation and the possibility of magic around every corner.
WOMADelaide runs from March 6 to March 9 and is part of the broader Adelaide Festival, which begins on Friday. As BIAT’s artistic directors suggest, without these roving elements, festivals risk losing their sense of joy, mystery, and unpredictable charm. The ability to build events from subtle audience responses, they believe, is what truly elevates the festival experience.
The upcoming festival promises a continuation of this tradition, offering attendees a chance to not just witness art, but to become a part of it. With both Born in a Taxi and Osadía bringing their unique approaches to roving performance, WOMADelaide is poised to deliver a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
What are you most looking forward to seeing at WOMADelaide this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below!