Interview with wire walker Rindi Harradine, Mon 19 June 2023, Lismore Quad
It’s Creative Development Day 1 for TheXcrossing: full steam ahead for everyone now, beginning to sculpt images and scenes for the show July 8 & 9. One of today’s tasks was to test 3 people on the wire at the same time- success!
I noticed a new figure warming up on the practice wire: Rindi. She’s interning for the project, and was excited to be welcomed by the established team. We chatted in the dappled sun under the paperbark tree, while she was still fresh from a wire walk.
Where are you from? I’m currently based in Melbourne, but actually used to live at Tuntable Falls community near Nimbin. I moved into a share house there with a whole bunch of circus equipment in it, and thought ‘Oh this could be my thing’. Eight years later, here I am! I moved to Melbourne to attend The National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA), and completed their 3-year Bachelor of Circus Arts, although Covid made it 4 years. I’m 31 now.
How did you get involved with The Xrossing? Seeking new projects, I approached the legendary Brisbane-based Chelsea McGuffin [famous for wire-walking in high heels, yes, high heels], who referred me to Simone, because it’s quite rare to have wire walking in Australia. I’m delighted to be here, to be able to learn, support, and contribute in any way that’s needed.
What else have you done recently? I was in a show for Adelaide Fringe, and friends and I have formed a new company Absurd Circus [Instagram: absurd.circus], taking our show “Sunday Cup of Absurdi-Tea” to Gasworks Arts Park in Melbourne. I just want to work and walk on the wire as much as possible.
How are you finding the switch to Funambulism (wire walking with a pole)? There’s a big difference between 10 metres and this line here of 60 metres, although the heights from the ground are similar. It’s definitely a practice of mindfulness, but so is all wire walking; I was nervous about how challenging it might be, but it’s not that different. I walked without the safety harness on my second walk- it’s good to challenge oneself and take appropriate risks.
Have you ever fallen? Yes [slightly nervous laugh]. Yes, that’s a part of it. When you learn to walk, you’re going to fall. But there’s never been a dangerous fall that’s prevented me from continuing my training. I do have a scar on my shin bone, but that feels like an initiation.
Do you have a sense of your role in this show? Well I just started today, and I definitely feel like I’m a Wire Infant- there’s so much to learn and know, so I’m happy to support as best I can. I just want to help Con Colleano’s story shine, it’s incredible.
What is your long term goal in the performing arena? That’s a tricky question. In a perfect world, my company Absurd Circus would make a show that toured the world forever, loved by audiences all over. But I’m just happy being creative, and supporting the arts wherever I am.
This project has been supported by: Australia Council for the Arts, CreateNSW, Regional Arts Australia, Lismore City Council, Lismore Quad, Northern Rivers Conservatorium, Arts Northern Rivers
