Firefly is back with a blend of circus and political satire

Firefly circus performances always adhered to a successful formula based on jaw-dropping aerial acrobatics, magic and comedy.

But in March 2016, Firefly entered a new era of political satire with Panache, an elbow jab at then election contender Donald Trump.

An American by birth, co-founder and artistic director Annie Dugan was shocked at Trump’s electoral success and was striking a blow against the misguided tyranny, racism and misogyny the Republican candidate was exhibiting.

Once again Dugan brings back Panache pt. Deux: The Triumph of Ponce at La Cité Francophone on March 24 to 26.

“We didn’t think we needed to do this sequel, but here we are. Who would have guessed he (Trump) would win,” said Dugan.

Audiences will receive a second dose of Ponce de Ponce de Panache, a flawed leader full of blustering bravado that rules in what could be described as a fusion of the French court of Versailles’s extravagance, the dystopian totalitarian regime in Hunger Games and the radical Republican party now ensconced in the White House.

“It’s a bit darker. It’s more of a reflection of what is going on in the world. The analogy to Versailles is a bit weaker. The focus is more on Trump.”

The storyline, plotted by Belinda Cornish, is based on a game show format where three people, symbolizing the average Middle American, are competing to win a prize.

The first gentleman (Matt Busby) hopes to win a hip replacement for his grandmother. A second man (Dave Horak) hopes to win a “get-out-of-jail free card” because he was arrested for jaywalking.

A woman (Shannon Blanchet) hopes to win a bus pass to get to work because public transit is privatized and out of her reach. In the course of events, as a woman, she is treated differently from the men.

“And the circus performers function as cabinet members.”

Dugan describes Ponce as the ultimate showman.

“He doesn’t have a clue about government. He just blows a lot of steam and smoke.”

Ross Travis, acrobat extraordinaire from San Francisco, returns as the self-inflated Ponce working on a flying pole and hoop diving. Born in St. Albert Gia Felicitas, aka Billy the Kidd, is back as a magician adding her own brand of illusions to the show.

The sequel also showcases numerous Edmonton performers: Lynn Gosselin on trapeze with silks, rhythmic contortionist Mackenzie Baert and Jason Kodie as Lucky, the live minstrel.

Completing the cast are Patrick Chan on aerial straps, Caitlin Mader on vertical rope, Lisa Feehan on the aerial cargo net and Quebec’s acrobatic superstars Les Vitamins.

Concerned about the political bullying and lies seeping from America’s new administration, Dugan hopes to illuminate the landscape.

“Why does it matter here? I think most empathetic people can see it is not a good thing and we have to do what we can so it doesn’t happen here.”