On Friday, February 4, 2022 at 7:30pm and Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 7:30 pm, The Broad Stage will present the world-renown Brisbane, Australia-based Circa Contemporary Circus performing their newest work Sacre. This work will mark the very first time Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring has been set on a circus group. Founded in 2004, this is not ordinary circus. Nor is it akin to Cirque du Solei, The Circa Contemporary Circus has a unique way of uniting world-class aerobates and with dance, theater and music. I had the pleasure of attending the company’s performance of CIRCA: What Will Have Been at the Yost Theatre in Santa Ana back in June of 2019. In November of that same year, they performed Humans at The Wallis, but I was unable to attend so I have looked forward to their returning to this area.
Sacre was created by Artistic Director Yaron Lifschitz and the Circa Ensemble with new music by French composer Philippe Bachman alongside Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring“. Sacre will include 10 multi-skilled artists and features a piercing lighting design by Veronique Bennett, all coming together in what The Broad Stage press release calls confronting “humanity’s inter-connectivity, our inherent sexual desire and relationship with divinity” and including “encounters pulsing with tension and suffused with dark humor and rich tenderness.”
Circa Contemporary Circus – Sacre by Circa – Photo by David Kelly
“Circa is at the forefront of the new wave of contemporary Australian circus – pioneering how extreme physicality can create powerful and moving performances. It continues to push the boundaries of the art form, blurring the lines between movement, dance, theatre and circus. Compelled by the question ‘what is possible in circus?’ Circa is leading the way with a diverse range of thrilling creations that ‘redraw the limits to which circus can aspire.”(The Age).
Circa Contemporary Circus has performed to sold out houses in more than 40 countries and have made regular appearances at leading festivals and venues in New York, London, Berlin and Montreal with seasons at Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Barbican Centre, Les Nuits de Fourvière, Chamäleon Theatre as well as major Australian Festivals. Circa is committed to fostering the next generation of circus artists and runs a Training Centre from its studio in Brisbane. Circa also runs regular circus programs with communities throughout Queensland and around Australia.
Reserve your tickets now. Try not to miss this amazing company.
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WHAT: Sacre by Circa
WHEN: Friday, February 4, 2022 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 7:30 pm.
WHERE: The Broad Stage 1310 11th St. Santa Monica CA 90401. Parking is free
TICKETS starting at $45 are available at thebroadstage.org or by calling 310-434-3200 or by visiting the box office at 1310 11thSt, Santa Monica, CA. 90401, beginning three hours prior to performance.
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To learn more about Circa Contemporary Circus, please visit their website.
To learn more about The Board Stage, please visit their website.
Written by Jeff Slayton for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Circa Contemporary Circus – Sacre by Circa – Photo by Pedro Greig
