-Historical Black Circus Thriller featuring aerials, contortion, clown and hoops

Created and performed by -

Julia Baccellieri with Lex Alston

Directed by- Jenn Kidwell

In 1835, PT Barnum exhibited an enslaved black woman named Joice Heth as a living curiosity - announcing she was the oldest woman in the world and claiming the octogenarian was 161. Barnum mutilated her body in order to corroborate his illusions. When she died due to being worked to death, he then sold tickets to her public autopsy. Her exploitation launched his career. American circus was born.

This new creation begins where the historical records ends. Created and performed by Julia Baccellieri, with Lex Alston as Barnum and directed by Obie Award-winner Jenn Kidwell, the work uses dance trapeze, hoops, contortion, and bouffon to stage a reckoning that is both deeply historical and urgent.

Runtime: 60 min/no interval
Cast / Touring Party: 3, 2 performers and 1 PSM
Stage Footprint: 20 ft x 20 ft x 18 ft
Rigging/Power: One aerial point suitable for dynamic pulls (4:1 or winch). Touring portable rig available at extra cost.
Load-in / Crew: 1 day / 6 hours

Residencies / Engagement Extras: Workshops in clown, circus arts, post-show talk on the contemporary Black circus artist experience