SeedArts proudly presents The Xrossing, a spectacular highwire show inspired by Con Colleano, a Gamilaroi man born in Lismore in 1899 who became the greatest tightwire artist of all time.
Known as the ‘Wizard of the Wire’ his grace, style and achievements have never been paralleled, and his story is little-known.
At 19 years of age Con became the first person to perfect the foot-to-foot somersault on the tightwire, an incredible and dangerous feat that ultimately brought him incredible international success, wealth and fame in the 1930s and ’40s.
As an unparalleled virtuoso, Con was master at keeping his own secret – his Aboriginal identity. With a showman’s eye, he played an identity sleight-of-hand to develop an iconic Spanish toreador persona for his act. Ultimately, this combination of incredible athleticism, performance, and achieving the impossible would see him celebrated internationally as the ‘Wizard of the Wire’.
Co-directed by Kirk Page and Simone O’Brien, The Xrossing will feature five celebrated tightwire walkers, including Wiradjuri wire-walker and circus artist Dylan Singh, performing breathtaking feats on wires stretching 60 metres across Lismore Quad.
The Xrossing also includes performances by ‘community walkers’ on lower wires who have taken part in a series of free ‘Wizards of the Wire’ tightwire workshops in the lead up to the show.
Co-director Kirk Page says The Xrossing pays tribute to a great Aboriginal performer who deserves to be as celebrated as Don Bradman or Dame Nellie Melba. ‘Con Colleano’s story is one of many where Aboriginal performers often hid their identity to be able to travel freely and to perform. He achieved greatness despite adversity, and we’re thrilled to bring his story to light with this truly spectacular event.’
The Xrossing premieres during NAIDOC week with free daytime performances on Satuday 8 and Sunday 9 July at Lismore Quad. The event includes live music by local musicians, the Northern Rivers Youth Jazz orchestra, the Northern Rivers Community Healing Hub, and local vendors will be serving up delicious food.
Bring your friends, your family and a picnic blanket to experience the breathtaking magic of the highwire and celebrate a legend of Lismore.
The Xrossing – Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 July, 1–5pm at the Lismore Quad, 110 Magellan St, Lismore.
This is a free, all ages event. Bring a picnic rug.
Food trucks on site.
More info at www.seedartsy.com.au.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
