#contemporary-circus

#contemporary-circus

It's a family drama, says Yaron Lifschitz. It's kind of a minor key, gently comic version of the Oresteian trilogy. Without the dismemberment and murder and purple carpets. Lifschitz is talking about his latest production for Circa, the acclaimed Australian contemporary circus group. Is it a Greek epic? A state-of-the-nation drama? A searing emotional journey? Nope, none of those. It's a fun, family circus show based on that cheeky cartoon character Shaun the Sheep.

Forget pricey tickets and velvet ropes-this weekend, the circus is coming to town, and you won't need to shell out a dime to see it. The brand-new Down to Earth Festival is set to turn New York City parks and plazas into open-air stages, with a lineup that mixes contemporary circus, high-wire thrills, opera installations and participatory dance. It all kicks off Friday, August 29, and runs through September 7.

As a long-time fan of contemporary circus, I'm always drawn to performances that combine daring physicality with emotional storytelling - shows that don't just entertain, but challenge, connect, and uplift.