Circa: hitting the mark

The highly provocative poster for Circa, with its sequined red stiletto, is an accurate promise of a show which is sexy, edgy, risky and… fun. “Circa's self-titled creation is movement at its most adventurous and dangerous. Seven performers move from highly connected acrobatic and tumbling sequences to fast-paced moments of great intricacy where precision and timing are everything.

Their signature style combines physical beauty, formidable circus skills and an immersive use of sound, light and projection.” Yes, it’s true, the number of times I squealed or gasped in relief or wonder was noticeable. I must admit there was also the occasional uttering of expletives signifying (dismay? shock? recognition? revulsion?). These came at times when, for example, I would hear one of the players gag while flossing their nose with a red rubber hose…or when seeing the deep red marks on the chest of the one who had born the weight of a body wearing stiletto heels.

It was impressive to hear Artist Director Yaron Lifschitz declare that when the gag-reflexes were no longer there, when the pain and willingness were no longer visible, he would find a new player for those parts. Yaron is deeply committed to impressing and moving through the poetics of risk and for this is ardently commitment to authenticity.

I was glad to stay for the talk back. And, I was glad to hear that what made it possible to tour such a show for months and months was each individual’s trust in the other; as artists, collaborators, friends and family. This trust manifests itself as flexibility, responsiveness to change and presence to the moment, all of which contribute to Circa hitting the mark.

Click here for information on a matinée performance of Circa’s hilarious all-ages show 46 Circus Acts in 45 Minutes on Sunday January 23, 2pm