“I often remind myself – hey, if these are my toughest decisions today, then I’m incredibly fortunate compared to a lot of people in the world.”
WHO: Sonja Schebeck
WHAT: “Classical precision meets circus adrenaline in this genre-bending re-imagining of a violin concerto composed by Chloé Charody for The Freestyle Orchestra. Each musician doubles as an acrobat, uniting classical mastery, theatrical storytelling and breathtaking circus – where virtuosity literally takes flight. The whimsical, fairytale-like narrative traces the legend of the Phoenix – a mythical creature with the ability to be reborn through flame. This story of resistance and renewal underpins pertinent global themes, erupting with one of humanity’s greatest weapons against oppression: hope.”
WHERE: Central at Assembly Roxy (Venue 139)
WHEN: 18:15 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
We did a part-run at Edinburgh Fringe in 2024 with a smaller-scale show, LIMBO: Sonata for Acrobatic Violinist & Acrobat (also featuring music by Chloé Charody), but this is our first time with The Freestyle Orchestra bringing a production of this scale with 12 artists.
It’s such a special vibe in Edinburgh during Fringe with so many diverse and incredible artists, and the audiences are absolutely wonderful – it’s this unique atmosphere were it feels like both the artists and audiences alike are on a huge adrenaline rush! The city itself becomes a venue, and with so many shows densely packed, it makes it entirely possible to see a huge range of art-forms and to be both a producer and a punter in one season.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
I think the main thing I’ve learnt is that there’s not really a single way to do Fringe! We have been planning this season for a good part of the last 12 months, and for a lot of that there are seemingly endless decisions, differing opinions, a stream of deadlines etc. which can feel like a lot. I often remind myself – hey, if these are my toughest decisions today, then I’m incredibly fortunate compared to a lot of people in the world. For me, helpful things were early planning in regards to venue, funding applications and budgeting, getting advice from people we trust, and being clear about why we want to do Fringe and what the goals are. Still, I’m definitely learning a lot – which is also great!
Tell us about your show.
Tale of the Firebird reimagines a virtuosic violin concerto as a fully embodied theatrical experience. It was composed by long-time collaborator Chloé Charody and created and produced by The Freestyle Orchestra, an ensemble with a defining twist: each musician is also a highly skilled circus artist – often performing both disciplines at once. We blend live instrumental performance with aerial arts, dynamic group acrobatics with instruments, fire eating and fire spinning, contemporary dance, physical theatre, and aerial harp. For us, these disciplines are all intrinsic elements of the score.
Suited to audiences of all ages and backgrounds, the show unfolds as a vivid, fairytale-like, deconstructed narrative tracing the legend of the Phoenix, the mythical creature with the ability to be reborn through flame. Looking deeper, a story of resilience and renewal speaks to urgent global realities and to the enduring power of one of humanity’s greatest weapons against oppression: hope.
The work originally premiered at City Recital Hall during Sydney’s VIVID Sydney in 2019, but now we’re incredibly excited to be premiere a brand-new production at Fringe 2026, plus an upcoming appearance at the Salieri Circus Award in Italy later this year. It’s bigger, bolder and more theatrical than ever, and we’re pretty sure audiences can expect something they’ve probably never seen before.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
We’re definitely looking forward to checking out YUCK circus’ new show “Naughties” – the company are such legends who we were fortunate to meet at the West Australian Circus Festival in early 2020, and their new show looks like an absolute riot!
In Common by One Fell Swoop also looks beautiful.
LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!
INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!
Get Your Coats On 