In 'Wunderkammer,' Circa Thrives on Breaking Barriers

BY TAMARA BECK

WHAT’S a “Wunderkammer” Circa?

The second first. Circa is an Australian circus troupe that, among other things, staged a self-titled show at the NYU Skirball Center more than a decade ago. “Wunderkammer” is the name of Circa’s new show. It has its U.S. premiere this Wednesday, 20 March (through 24 March) at the Skirball Center.

“Wunderkanner,” part of the Visions + Voices Global Performance Series, is a sexy and dynamic spectacle, featuring an ensemble of seven that blends contemporary dance with innovative movement, shifting the perceptions and practice of circus arts. This is not your grandma’s circus act. (See video above.)

Circa's "Wunderkammer" is a mixed-movement piece that pushes against notions of traditional circus acts. Photo by Justin Nicholas.

Under the artistic direction of Yaron Lifschitz, Circa creates genre-bending pieces that celebrate the expressive possibilities of the human body at its extremes.

Visit http://www.circa.org.au/ to learn more about Circa and “Wunderkammer,” including tour dates; visit http://www.nyuskirball.org to learn more about the Visions + Voices Global Performance Series.

Good Times for Common Good at 'Wild Project'

NOW for a walk on the “Wild Project” side.

The Wild Project is a both a venue and a production company. Its goal is to create community by exploring innovative ways to make a better world through entertainment. One production under the the Wild Project umbrella is Phoenix Theatre Ensemble’s staging of Sophocles’ “Electra.” It is directed by Amy Wagner and runs through 24 March

The Wild Project features the work of emerging artists and supports green technology. It also showcases theater, film and the visual art year round, including the Saturday morning series, Phoenix for the Family.

Visit http://www.thewildproject.com to learn more about the Wild Project. Rx