URBANOPOLIS: Aerialists Spark an Evolution of Cirque in New Show at Galapagos Art Space

July 25, 2009 - PRLog -- New York City based Aerial Theatre troupe Suspended Cirque announces their return to Brooklyn’s Galapagos Art Space with their newest show, URBANOPOLIS.

Suspended Cirque has created a new genre of aerial performance, integrating breathtaking aerial acrobatics, choreography, theater, music, dance, and circus. Their site-specific performance is inspired by the dramatic and unique qualities of the Galapagos Art Space — the audience sits on several large steel islands, surrounded by water on almost all sides. The performance takes place above, around, below, among the audience — no part of the performance space is left unexplored, and the audience is an integral part of the entertainment. The show’s format of short performance sections divided by mini-intermissions allows the audience to mingle and explore the unique water-filled theater space.

Suspended Cirque’s debut show “Across the Water” played at the Galapagos Art Space this past April to a standing-room-only audience drawn from fans and patrons of the dance, theater, aerial arts, cirque, and performing arts communities.

   “…there was poignant intimacy in the daredevilry.”
      --Leigh Witchel, Dance Writer (NY POST, Ballet Review)


In their latest production, “URBANOPOLIS,” a young man falls into a futuristic urban labyrinth where sirens crawl along steel girders, a dying phoenix plays her violin, women float on chains, a mechanical doll comes to life, and everything spins out of control. With the help of a mischievous pan-like creature, the young man searches for the way back home. This tale plays out in the air, on the walls, and in the water, inviting the audience to become a part of the action, toasting the bacchanalian feast and feeling the heat of the performers. Spectators will delight in never quite knowing where to look or what to expect, as anything is possible in this urban jungle.

Suspended Cirque was founded by five veterans of New York’s performing arts world, who saw the opportunity to create a new type of crossover performance company. Joshua Dean, Ben Franklin, Michelle Dortignac, Angela Jones, and Kristin Olness (with special guest Leenya Rideout) have blended their aerial acrobatic, choreography, theater, music, dance, and circus backgrounds to create a unique audience experience. Besides singing, dancing and playing musical instruments on the ground, this dynamic group performs in the air on traditional circus apparatuses like the silks, lyra, and trapeze as well as non-traditional equipment such as chains and chandeliers.

Suspended Cirque members have appeared on Broadway, at The Joyce Theater and Lincoln Center, and with such names as Twyla Tharp. They have also been featured on the Sundance Channel, Good Day New York, on the Internet for American Express, and are soon to be featured on NOVA. Reviews of the members include "powerful stage presence" New York Times, and "compelling images" Backstage.

More information, bios, and images can be seen on the Suspended Cirque Website: http://www.suspendedcirque.com/

Suspended Cirque at the Galapagos Art Space
Location: 16 Main Street (corner of Water St.), Dumbo, Brooklyn, NY 718-222-8500
Subway: A/C to High St.; or F to York St.
Dates: Friday, August 14th at 8pm; Saturday, August 15th at 3pm; and Sunday, August 16th at 7:30pm.
Tickets: $20 adults, $10 children/seniors – available online at http://www.galapagosartspace.com

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Suspended Cirque has created a new genre of aerial performance, integrating breathtaking aerial acrobatics, choreography, theater, music, dance, and circus.