BRATTLEBORO — The New England Center for Circus Arts is stepping into the forefront of contemporary circus in the United States, in part by making moves to support up and coming American companies. NECCA co-Artistic Director Elsie Smith worked to secure an Art Works grant from the National Endowment for the Arts through which NECCA can now offer a series of 3 week residencies throughout the year to qualifying applicant companies.
On Thursday, Aug. 30, the culmination of the residency by Alter Circus will be in the form of a performance of their show Hysterical at 7:30 p.m.
Alter Circus is a feminist company, which uses contemporary circus and performance art as vehicles to challenge gender norms and celebrate the rebellious spirit, strength, and grace of women. Alter Circus rejects narrative structure as a primary humanizing device and uses the human body as text and feminism as the lens to explore power, gender, and sexuality. For more information about Alter Circus Company, go to alter-circus.com.
Jessica John, Alter Circus Company's founder and director, explains that "the show is a postmodern contemporary circus production, which uses the human body as text and feminism as the lens to explore power, gender, and sexuality."
The show contains adult language and sexual content and is best suited for ages 13 and up. There will be a Question & Answer session immediately following the performance.
The work is supported by NECCA's Company in Residence program, which is partially funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. This 3 week creation process included working with Creative Consultant Lauren Feldman, a celebrated playwright and circus artist.
Hysterical offers one show only. Tickets are available online at necenterforcircusarts.org. $25 VIP, $15 adults, $10 youth under 12 yrs. Information at 802-254-9780.
