Published February 2025
Yaron Lifschitz, internationally acclaimed artist, views Brisbane as more than just a city – it’s home.
Brisbane is where his creativity was nurtured, his family raised, and the foundation for his global success built.
Mr Lifschitz is Artistic Director and CEO of C!RCA, one of the world’s leading performance companies.
He is preparing to receive one of the world’s highest performing arts honors, the Distinguished Artist Award from the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) in New York in 2025.
Under his leadership he has led C!RCA through over 45 countries, captivating audiences of almost 2 million with performances that transcend traditional circus and are known for their bold innovation and extreme physicality.
“C!RCA is about pushing boundaries, always asking, ‘What is possible in circus?’ We’re constantly looking for ways to make the impossible real, and that’s what captivates audiences around the world,” Mr Lifschitz said.
“Brisbane’s given me security, a base, and a place that I feel pretty confident to leave from and come back to,” he said, reflecting on his evolution from local creator to global visionary.
A demanding international schedule often finds him seeking comfort in the familiar rhythms of family life in Brisbane – such as a simple trip to his local Woolworths or enjoying coffee at Jamie’s Espresso Bar in Fortitude Valley.
“I’m always profoundly moved at the bounty of a Woolworths shop… having one I can walk to, walk my dog to, is absolutely, mind-blowingly good,” he said.
He celebrates spending time with his children at their local swimming pool and enjoying a meal at Mosconi’s, sharing that he looks forward to coming back to these local spots that connect him to Brisbane as home.
“When I came to Brisbane, I was a little shocked. It was 1999, and it was summer… it was pretty sleepy… and then, of course, the city warmed up with more people.”
Lifschitz’s deep connection to Brisbane began in the 90s.
He attended the University of Queensland at St Lucia and has developed a diverse career with profound influence on the arts over several decades since.
He has managed the Theatre Unit at the Australian Museum, served as Creative Director for the 21st Commonwealth Games and has directed over 80 productions across circus, opera, physical theatre and film.
As a visionary, he has been a driving force in reshaping contemporary circus worldwide, helping elevate the art form to a major cultural force.
He is far from finished.
“The future of circus is about what we can make possible next,” Mr Lifshitz said.
