It is strange in these times of canceled shows to read a review, but it just so happens that our new contributor Jamuna Chiarini reviewed one of the last shows to be running to live audiences in the circus world during this time of pandemic. It will most likely be the last review we run for awhile, so I encourage you to relish it, to recognize the joie de vivre Jamuna beheld while being part of a live audience and seeing a show that embraced the spirit of the collective, which is what circus excels at. May it give you pleasure to read, to imagine a time again soon when you and your loved ones will climb onto a stage or be seated in an audience to experience one of life’s pleasures, connecting through art. Long live the performing arts and long live circus!

Picture this: It’s a snowy day, you’re in middle school, and you’re stuck inside a church community center with all your closest friends—and no adults—for 24 hours.  Now imagine what glorious mayhem and mischief might ensue!    That scenario is what I felt was playing out onstage as I watched Tabarnak, the newest work by Canadian-based circus company, Cirque Alfonse, which performed its West Coast premiere at the Newmark Theatre in Portland, Oregon, last weekend, presented by White Bird.  ...