Circo Aereo comes to Bethesda on Sunday.
The circus is coming to town. Not the traditional three-ring, big-top circus of childhood fantasies, mind you, but rather an artistic, theatrical version of standard circus elements. The circus troupe, Circo Aereo, will be performing “Espresso” Sunday evening at the Music Center at Strathmore Theater in Bethesda.
The 75-minute piece unfolds the history of the circus through a collection of traditional acts such as juggling, horse training, cabaret theater and aerial work. The show is a darker and more avant-garde style and is best suited for theatergoers looking to be entertained and amazed. It is performed in front of a black backdrop, and the four performers wear muted colors and occasionally use bright accenting props, which lend an element of humor.
The circus aspect of the show is emphasized by the continuous background music. Performers move in rhythm to an original collection of classical music with a jazz undertone reminiscent of the original big tops of the 1920s.
“They focus on the aesthetic impact of the performance … character and story development,” said Georgina Javor, the Strathmore Theater’s program manager. “You walk out after seeing a story played out on stage.”
Unlike three-ring counterparts, Circo Aereo does not feature any animals.
Javor said the show “takes traditional circus acts … and basically puts a story to it with music, lights and humor. It’s a humorous trip through the history of the circus … you don’t see act after act after act; you see a story line.”
According to Javor, Circo Aereo is one branch of the New Circus movement, a European circus movement whose most recognized member is Cirque du Soleil. The movement originated in France in the 1970s as a contemporary collaboration of street performances and circus art, and it has increased in popularity as a result of the success of Cirque du Soleil.
“It’s not like a traditional circus,” Javor said. “You can see it in a theater, in a concert hall or on the street.”
While Cirque du Soleil’s performances are typically large scale and occur in arenas and concert venues, Circo Aereo is more intimate and focuses on connecting the audience to the performance.
One way the circus troupe accomplishes this is by having Strathmore President and CEO Eliot Pfanstiehl and founder and Artistic Director Maksim Komaro lead a discussion with the audience about the show.
They address behind-the-scenes topics such as how certain acts are done, how performers practice and how they develop new concepts for the show. Audience members are also encouraged to ask questions. Javor said it’s “more of a conversation with the people onstage and the audience.”
The venue also contributes to the intimate nature of the show. The theater holds 1,976 people and has a large stage, which gives the performers plenty of room to move.
Performers also give the audience a behind-the-scenes look at their aerial work. The rigging is not done behind a curtain but rather onstage for the audience to see.
“It’s the first time the Strathmore presents a show that has aerial rigging,” Javor said. “It’s a unique opportunity to experience this performance in the Strathmore.”
This is Circo Aereo’s first American tour. Tickets range from $28 to $48 and the only performance at Strathmore Theater is on Sunday at 7 p.m.
kbulav@umd.edu
