Welcome to the House of Circus
One of the most intriguing shows at the 6th Pitch'd Circus & Street Arts Festival which returns this September is the vibrant House of Circus - a circus company and drag house.
House of Circus has Dutch roots, where the founders honed their craft at the esteemed Academy of Circus and Performance Art.
United by a passion for both circus and drag, founders Germain Charlat and Nick van der Heyden forge a unique path, infusing their performances with an enchanting blend of skills. Dynamic disciplines such as static trapeze, hand balancing, clowning, and theatrical flair converge with drag, makeup artistry, and costume design.
They deftly weave theatre, dance, and humour into their tapestry, experimenting with the full spectrum of the performing arts. Step into the captivating world of House of Circus for 60 minutes at the Everyman Theatre. In this theatrical extravaganza, the audience remains seated but are taken on a journey that demystifies both circus and drag.
House of Circus unveil the raw reality concealed beneath makeup and costumes – the bruises and the padding that contribute to the pursuit of perfection. Precision and prowess dance hand in hand, forming a realm that explores gender fluidity, evolution, and uniqueness. They meld the allure of circus with the flamboyance of drag, unveiling a multi-dimensional journey from backstage intrigue to the dazzling spotlight.
The audience will learn the struggles, triumphs, and intricate layers that compose these two worlds. You will be ushered into a realm of personal and theatrical transformation. You’ll witness two characters' evolution as they navigate conflicts and find solace in each other's unwavering support. Laughter permeates the air as humour takes centre stage, but beneath the surface, thought-provoking themes linger, leaving the audience with more than just a smile – an abundance of positive energy.
At the core of House of Circus lies an unparalleled merger of circus and drag, a testament to the founders' innovation and artistry. Their narrative is intertwined with the rich history of drag culture, borrowing inspiration from the ‘80s ballroom scene of NYC, where queer communities found solace and support.
Drawing from this ethos, the name House of Circus pays homage to the spirit of chosen families and camaraderie, resonating with the very essence of drag.
House of Circus will be followed by Festival Club in the Everyman Bar. Hosted by Candy Warhol, it will feature a dance floor, and pop up acts from the festival. A House of Circus ticket grants entry to the Festival Club.
House of Circus is on at the Everyman at 16 September at 8pm. Tickets are €24/22 and the show is suitable for 14+ years. The Festival Club is 18+ only.
Pitch’d Circus and Street Arts Festival runs from 11-24 September. More information and tickets at https://www.pitchdfestival.ie/.
The Cork Independent is proud to be media partner.