Arts

Alter Circus residency at NECCA culminates with public show

BRATTLEBORO — The New England Center for Circus Arts is stepping into the forefront of contemporary circus in the U.S., according to a news release, in part by making moves to support up and coming American companies.

According to the release, NECCA co-Artistic Director Elsie Smith worked to secure an Art Works grant from the National Endowment for the Arts through which NECCA can now offer a series of three-week residencies throughout the year to qualifying applicant companies.

On Thursday, Aug. 30, the culmination of the residency by Alter Circus will be in the form of a performance of their show, Hysterical, at 7:30 p.m.

Alter Circus is a feminist company that “uses contemporary circus and performance art as vehicles to challenge gender norms and celebrate the rebellious spirit, strength, and grace of women,” the release said.

Alter Circus rejects narrative structure as a primary humanizing device and uses the human body as text and feminism as the lens to explore power, gender, and sexuality. For more information, go to alter-circus.com.

Jessica John, Alter Circus Company's founder and director, explains that “the show is a postmodern contemporary circus production, which uses the human body as text and feminism as the lens to explore power, gender, and sexuality.”

The show contains adult language and sexual content and is best suited for ages 13 and up. There will be a question-and-answer session immediately following the performance.

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