Swedish company Cirkus Cirkör brings acrobatic brilliance and spell-binding story-telling to The Lowry this summer
North West Premiere
Circus Cirkör present Inside Out
Mon 30 August – Wed 1 September 2010
One of only 2 UK dates this year
This August Swedish circus company Cirkus Cirkör makes their North West debut at The Lowry with a show that celebrates the technical skill of circus art, with its ability to craft a touching, funny story. Playing from Mon 30 August until Wed 1 September Cirkus Cirkör will haunt audiences with their make believe-world.
Cirkus Cirkör’s English language production Inside Out is accompanied by live music from fellow Swedish outfit, Irya’s Playground. This enigmatic rock band’s music plays a key part in creating Inside Out’s unique atmosphere and blends dub, electro and punk with a mesmerising result.
David Fry, The Lowry’s Head of Theatres Programming commented, “The surreal fantasy world of Cirkus Cirkör draws the audience in with a series of bizarre and wonderful characters. The live band adds to the excitement with constant gasps from the audience. The Lowry has a tradition of great circus shows and Cirkus Cirkör is up there with the very best. It's a huge thrill to be able to bring this talented company to Salford and a definite theatrical highlight for our tenth birthday.”
Cirkus Cirkör plays with all the skills and tricks that modern circus has to offer, with dare-devil feats of trapeze, magic, knife-edge balancing acts and juggling. With the performance showing on The Lowry’s lyric stage, the company is able to create the feel of a fantastical big top and draw the audience into their eccentric world.
But Cirkus Cirkör doesn’t forget to keep you there with a good story. Inside Out follows the tale of two people trapped in their own narrow definition of success. On meeting a band of bizarre misfits, the pair is taken on a dreamy journey of discovery that broadens and plays with their perspectives.
Eight multi-skilled performers take risks and play with illusion, inviting the viewers to become part of this gripping story. Inside Out unfolds in front of the audience like a dark but gentle fairy-tale, which reveals the back-stage world of a magical big top.
Cirkus Cirkör explores the notion that what is ugly, strange and weird can also be funny, comforting and beautiful. Just like people.
Cirkus Cirkör is influenced by other disciplines such as theatre, dance and mime, but Inside Out is firmly their own daring but smart brand of circus art.
“To circus artists, taking risks is an everyday matter,” said Tilde Björfors, director and founder of Cirkus Cirkör. “Physically when throwing themselves into the open air, or hanging 10 meters above the ground suspended by only one hand in another person’s hand. Watching someone performing a feat that requires absolute presence of mind is like seeing someone truly being themselves. In these situations you cannot pretend.”
Cirkus Cirkör are only performing in two UK cities this year, making their Welsh debut at the Wales Millennium Centre from 12th to 15th August, prior to their Northwest debut at The Lowry.
Born in Stockholm 15 years ago, Cirkus Cirkör began as an independent contemporary circus group, with a desire to change the world. Today they enjoy international cult status and their tours take in major cities world-wide. Inside Out is choreographed by Dag Andersson, with circus and artistic direction by Tilde Bjorfors.
Irya’s Playground is fronted by Irya Gmeyner, who spent her early years in Newcastle, before moving to Sweden with her English parents. She came back for a year as a teenager, busking on the streets with her balalaika. On returning to Sweden, she founded Cirkus Cirkör with Tilde Bjorfors.
The Lowry is delighted to present Cirkus Cirkör through the generous support of Arts Council England Sustain fund.
Listing information for Cirkus Cirkör
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays M50 3AZ
Mon 30 August – Wed 1 September 2010
Box office: www.thelowry.com
Telephone 0843 2086005
Tickets £16 - £22, Children go half-price
Posted on Friday, 30 July 2010 under Theatre Press