Love found its way into the spotlight for Alyssa Moore and Jacob Randell, two circus performers whose paths first crossed at a festival in Bathurst, Australia. It was 2010, and Alyssa, then a high school senior, was captivated by Jake's talented troupe from Adelaide. Little did she know, this encounter would set the stage for a romantic journey.
After pursuing her passion for acrobatics in Melbourne, Alyssa joined Jake's troupe, now a thriving company called Gravity & Other Myths. Her first interview, a casual Zoom call, left a lasting impression, except on Jake, who initially had doubts. But the company took a chance, and Alyssa found herself on a plane to Austria, ready to embark on a month-long contract.
The dreamlike experience of arriving in Vienna and taking a scenic train ride to Graz set the tone for an intense yet exhilarating training period. Alyssa's nerves reached their peak as she prepared for her first performance, but the success of opening night left her beaming with pride.
As the tour progressed, Alyssa and Jake's friendship blossomed. Their shared love for condiments and similar tastes in food brought them closer, and the intimate nature of life on tour allowed their bond to deepen. Alyssa's relationship with her boyfriend back home eventually came to an end, and Jake seized the opportunity to express his interest.
The year 2019 brought a turning point as the troupe performed in California. The relaxed atmosphere between shows, with tacos and sunny beaches, created the perfect setting for Alyssa and Jake's friendship to evolve into something more. They decided to keep their romance a secret from the rest of the company, continuing their clandestine relationship as they returned to Europe for another season.
Paris in the winter became their secret haven, where they stole moments together after each show. Huddled under a spooky bridge by the Canal de l'Ourcq, they felt like two little penguins, inseparable and content in each other's company. The cold and exhaustion faded away as their love blossomed.
As 2020 approached, the duo faced an uncertain future with endless touring ahead. Fate intervened, and they found themselves back in Australia just as the world shut down due to the pandemic. Jake's apartment in Adelaide became their new home, and their relationship flourished in the comfort of their own space.
Despite the challenges of the past few years, Alyssa and Jake's love story has thrived. Their time on the road and the deep understanding they developed as tour mates made their transition into a couple feel natural and organic. Today, they continue to tour and share their meals, but the bridges they once hid under have become a fond memory of their early romance.
Alyssa Moore and Jacob Randell invite you to witness their captivating story as they perform in Gravity & Other Myths' Ten Thousand Hours at Arts Centre Melbourne from January 13th to 25th. Share with us the moment you knew your life was about to change forever.