New circus show The Defiant finds joy and strength within its dystopian, post-apocalyptic world, offering a refreshing take on a well-trodden theme. 

Since circus and physical theatre broke free from carnival music and clowns, the words “intense” and “dystopian” have become a standard for acrobatics performed in dark lighting with serious glares. The Defiant ­– presented by the same company as the award-winning circus-cabaret hybrid Rouge –challenges that again with its grungy aesthetic, stark lighting and rock soundtrack balanced with an essence that exudes hope, camaraderie and celebration in relationships and community...