Tonight's Program:

The Banana Bunch: Kelly Ballard, Sarah-Louise Raillard, Jackie Christianson, Cerys Jenks, Percy Hill, Dave Larson, Lizzy Kirkland, Nicole Margeneau, Madeline Motley, Cassy Smithies, Becky Wennlund

ACT I

Blood Countess

Emily Shelton

Aerial silks; dance

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This act explores the myth of Countess Elizabeth Báthory bathing in the blood of young women to obtain eternal youth.

The Fallow Season

Sarah-Louise Raillard

Lyra

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A major shoulder surgery in 2022 forced me to re-examine what I love about circus and why I make art. In creating this piece, I asked myself, “What is circus for? And what am I for, here, now?” What is left if we let go of an endless striving for mastery? In this work, I explore how highly intentional but minimal movement, periods of uncomfortable stillness and sustained eye contact can cultivate moments of intimacy between me and the audience, where we encounter one another in the discomfort, pain, incandescence, and joy of the present moment.

The Birds

Elise Swenson

Dance trapeze; spoken word

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Set to a song by Laurie Anderson, this piece focuses on storytelling through creating moments of movement and stillness on the dance trapeze.

Pablo Picasso

The Pod: BJ Lee, Kristi Minahan, Jessie Solcz, Mandy Kron, Dhyana Rabe, Tara Converse, Laura Prieto, Kallysa Taylor

Dance

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Fish make art, enjoy cuddles, learn tricks and have long lasting friendships. None were injured in the production of this piece.

The Last Waltz of the Faerie King

Chris Roberson; Stina Alvarez

Cyr wheel

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This act follows an ancient creature from a strange and distant land reflecting on a life dancing alone, save for one memorable dalliance with a brief-lived mortal. A strange and final dance through memory and longing marks The Last Waltz of the Faerie King.

The Frizz

Amberlee James

Hoop

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Buckle your seatbelts, everyone! If you're ready to take chances, make mistakes, and get messy, hop on the bus! Join the lady with the plan, the queen of curiosity herself—it's your favorite hooping field-trip fanatic... Amberlee as MISS FRIZZLE! "To the bus!"

The Dead Dance

Stina Alvarez; Madeline, Kelly, Sarah-Louise, Nicole, Alex, Lizzy, Ariel, Cassy, Percy, Leeah; and the Swarm!

Multidisciplinary

INTERMISSION

ACT II

Control

Cassy Smithies, Lizzy Kirkland

Duo lyra

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Twins are mirrored aspects of each other. What happens when one realizes their twin isn't what they thought? Watch as an all-out fight for control begins as these twins realize they might not be mirrored aspects after all.

Nocturnes Pas de Deux

AnnMarie Liesch Kivi, Anna Mulfinger Tiffey

Duo sling

For the Birds

Bri Marvell

Lyra

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A balanced breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but some mornings are tougher than others. Let's get squirrely and crash a brunch for the birds.

Goodbye

William Rapisand

Aerial silks

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This silks solo portrays a warrior drowning. All battles have losses, and those that let their mind slip find themselves drowning in their own blood.

An Ophidian Voyage

Rachel Sanderson, Shea Weidenkopf

Straps; acro/contortion

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Two otherworldly creatures have landed in our bazaar.

A Dog and Pony Show

Christopher Holland; Bri Marvell, Kiki Moritsugu, Nick Aikens, Cassy Smithies, Percy Hill, Chris Roberson

Voiced by Paddy McMahon

Sound design by Eric Bartos

Multidisciplinary

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A dog and pony show. You've heard it. Maybe you've said it. It's what you call something that's just out there for PR. But once upon a time, there were actual dogs. On actual ponies. And for a few decades starting in the 1870s, it wasn't spin. It was an act that brought something unique to small towns. Trains would carry these small circuses round and round to place after place. People would gather from all over. Then things changed. Bigger circuses moved in. Vaudeville. Then moving pictures. The crowds thinned. The small shows couldn't compete. And just like that it faded. Some puppy had to be the last dog. And some pony had to be the last pony. This next act is a story about that final pair.

CREW

MCS shows run on volunteers! Thank you to our crew leads:

A registered nonprofit, Madison Circus Space exists to foster circus and movement arts in Madison, and hosts a variety of clubs, classes, workshops, and events open to the community.

Check out our current classes and clubs, and upcoming events!

Donate to support MCS' ongoing programming and building fund!