Workers arrive at the factory and prepare to start the day, heckled by their overbearing boss. But when a little bird gets in through a window, its freedom and flight inspire a minor mutiny. The workers seize the opportunity to find possibilities for expression and autonomy, transforming their workplace with incredible feats of skill and creativity.
Last Tuesday Molly, Tara, Victoria, Kristian, and Lindsay all went with a large group of other circus folk to see the inspirational Cirque Mechanic’s In A Birdhouse Factory at UMass Amherst Fine Arts Center, a high-quality stage circus show starring a company of experienced circus artistis (including former Cirque du Soleil and Pickle Family Circus performers) who came together just for this one tour. With seats in the front two rows, we had an up-close-and-personal view of the excellent and entertaining acrobatics, aerials, trampoline, german wheel, and clowning.
With tight staging, excellent sound design, and really creative props (such as a German wheel ‘port’ which let the wheel spin in place and used the energy to wind a cable through multiple pullies, raising and lowering various other props), Birdhouse told a satisfying story that created an exciting, lighthearted world. Sweet and funny interactions between characters were carefully woven into the pacing, and the shifting of focus was very smooth, making transitions between acts (often an awkward challenge) natural. The skill level was impressive, but the professionalism and polish of the performers more so. Birdhouse is a stellar example of theatrical circus, the setting and characters supporting the use of circus skills and vice versa. If you get the chance, go see for yourself!
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