Major celebration of circus to open in July
The circus performer, as artist and artisan, has for ages, inspired painters and writers, filmmakers and composers, choreographers and playwrights, as well as great philosophers. They exist in our consciousness as ephemeral ‘outsiders’ who inspire awe, anarchic fun, curiosity and perhaps a little fear. The Ark’s 2013 summer programme, Roll Up, Roll Up!, will be an adventurous, fully-interactive guided exhibition, offering children and families a unique insight into the rich heritage, art, skills and dramatic lives of circus troupes in Ireland and abroad.
Curated by Brian Kennedy (who previously curated Crafted Creatures at The Ark in 2010), Roll Up! Roll Up! will transform each of The Ark’s floors into circus-themed spaces where families can explore all that this wonderful artform has to offer. Actors playing the parts of circus characters will guide visitors through an interactive exhibition tour that will bring to life the incredible worlds of the trapeze artist, the ringmaster, circus horses and their trainers, and clowns. Visitors will experience a recreated big top with all their senses, explore a hall of mirrors, learn about circus life through beautiful photographic exhibitions, speak some Polari, the circus language, see what it feels like to walk in clown shoes and much more.
Each week at the end of the tour a different circus skill will be explored. All those 4+ (including adults!) are encouraged to join in and try their hand at skills such as plate spinning, juggling, making circus props, diabolo, poi, designing a own clown face or life-sized circus character and making circus masks, and there’ll be plenty to keep younger children busy too.
A programme of visual arts Masterclasses for children in circus poster design, prop, costume and model making will also run on Saturdays throughout the summer, as well as toddler workshops, a series of Aerial Workshops with Fidget Feet and a programme of pop-up events and talks.
Roll Up! Roll Up! will open on 4 July and will run throughout the school holidays until 31 August.