Circus theatre puts twist on the zodiac

In many ways Firefly Theatre has etched a vibrant spot in Edmonton’s theatrical scene by demonstrating the masterful craftsmanship of local circus arts performers.

Founded in 2000 after artistic director Annie Dugan, an American circus arts performer, moved to Edmonton, the company has expanded from a handful of disciples to being the hub of circus arts in Alberta. Dugan now owns her own 4,000-square-foot facility and offers 20 classes in circus arts.

Once again Firefly returns with Zodiac Arrest, a cabaret evening of circus, dance, magic and clowning, running from Thursday, Jan. 31 to Sunday, Feb. 10 at TransAlta Arts Barns.

“The theme is the 12 signs of the zodiac. They’re so rich in narrative and everyone has an association with the zodiac,” Dugan says.

Dugan goes on to explain that different signs of the zodiac are paired with different disciplines. For instance, St. Albert resident Kristi Wade, originally a gravity-defying aerialist from Australia, climbs the big top with her interpretation of Aquarius, the 11th sign of the astrological zodiac.

“She thinks outside the box. Her piece is in a big ring. It’s inspired by freedom of movement, freedom to express herself,” Dugan says.

Former St. Albert resident Meaghan Watson, along with Danny Gorham and Kim Precht, plunge Pisces to low levels in Dwellers and Bottom Feeders, an inspiration from creatures that live at the bottom of the ocean.

“They use the vertical rope. It’s fun, fast and crazy. You can’t believe they do what they do.”

And Billy Kidd, originally born in St. Albert and presently residing in Bath, England, brinks a surreal dose of magic to Capricorn and Aries.

Francophone musician Jason Kodie, a regular Firefly musician, debuts a new act in Cancer, playing a piano while riding a bicycle.

“It’s a sad moment, very weepy and emotional,” Dugan says.

And one of Edmonton’s leading lights on the modern dance scene, Amber Borotsik, takes on Virgo and Libra with the two-part Myth of Ariadne.

“It’s very theatrical and super interesting. The story has added text and comedy by two dancing girls. It’s dramatic and thought-provoking.”

Dugan says the interest in theatre of circus arts is on the rise, noting that the touring horse-circus show Cavalia broke all its own box office records with its extended Edmonton run last year.

“Circus entertainment is stimulating, if done with an idea that is thought-provoking,” she says. “Not everybody wants to see a play.”

And she’s adamant about supporting local circus artists.

“We’re doing the same skills to what Cirque du Soleil is doing. But we’re 10 feet away, not 100 and our tickets cost what it would cost to park at a cirque show. It’s fun. It’s beautiful. It’s live and it’s affordable.”