What is a Contemporary Circus?
Unlike traditional circus, the contemporary form often emphasizes narrative, theme, and artistic expression over spectacle alone. It integrates physical theatre, dance, object manipulation, and traditional circus skills (aerials, acrobatics, juggling) to create engaging, often profoundly personal, works.
"People are discovering the amazing possibilities of circus as an expressive art form," says Shana Kennedy, Executive Director of Circadium and part of the PCCF Executive Committee. "They'll see a lot of that in this festival!"
Festival Highlights Showcasing Innovation:
PCCF features over 24 shows demonstrating the breadth of the genre:
- International Acclaim: See N.Ormes by French artistic duo Agathe & Adrien, a hit at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, or experience Life, Circus, and Everything Else by Daniel Gulko of the radical French company Cahin-Caha.
- Local Vanguard: Philadelphia's thriving circus scene is represented by groups like Almanac Dance Circus Theatre (producing Fallout Formula's I Think It Could Work) and Tangle Movement Arts.
- Student Creation: Witness the next generation in The Garden of Earthly Delights, produced by Circadium students under the direction of Daniel Gulko.
- Genre Blending: Experience unique combinations like The Circus Opera Company's The Tire Swing.
Philly as a Circus Hub:
The festival underscores Philadelphia's growing reputation as a center for contemporary circus, largely thanks to Circadium, the nation's only accredited non-profit vocational school for contemporary circus arts. PCCF evolved from FringeArts' earlier Hand-to-Hand festival, expanding to reflect the growth of the local artist community.
The inaugural Philadelphia Contemporary Circus Festival offers a unique window into a compelling and rapidly evolving art form. From May 23 to June 1, witness how artists push the boundaries of physical performance and storytelling. For tickets and information, visit FringeArts.com.