The following background information on QUIRKI has been written by its director and creator, Phillip Gandey.
“Le Cirque est mort” has been a familiar adage since the 1960’s. Its relevance to a changing world was questioned and its popularity declined. But circus did not die – it simply paused to draw breath before metamorphosing into a myriad of styles and forms
Forty years on and circus continues to grow through attracting skilled collaborators from all walks of life. Its nucleus of generations-old circus families are continually reinforced and strengthened by skilled multi-talented professionals from the arts of dance, drama, music and design in addition to the legions of circus students - all of who bring new ideas of presentation to a centuries-old art.
The flame of circus burns brighter than ever before, drawing us all into a world that soars above, yet always parallels, our lives. “To run away to the Circus” is achieved by a lucky few but the opportunity is open to all. The need to have that opportunity is an essential part of the relevance of “ Le Cirque” in today’s increasingly sanitised and sterilised world. It represents the free spirit of man and the ability to improve, innovate and face challenges head on.
QUIRKI seeks not only to define this world of new circus, but also to present one facet of its evolving story. We never forget who are the most important people – the audience without whom there is no reason for continuing. It is for them we continue to push our art and performances into exciting uncharted territories. The surrealism movement acknowledge its truest expression as being ‘the juxtaposition of the Big Top, caravans and artistes on an urban landscape”.
QUIRKI was never merely my dream – it was a knowledge, a certainty that my Circus, the Circus of my ancestors, would evolve into a relevant entertainment, enabling it to grow, flourish and go forward confidently in the new millennium.
Vive le Cirque!
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for news on future performances.
“Le Cirque est mort” has been a familiar adage since the 1960’s. Its relevance to a changing world was questioned and its popularity declined. But circus did not die – it simply paused to draw breath before metamorphosing into a myriad of styles and forms
Forty years on and circus continues to grow through attracting skilled collaborators from all walks of life. Its nucleus of generations-old circus families are continually reinforced and strengthened by skilled multi-talented professionals from the arts of dance, drama, music and design in addition to the legions of circus students - all of who bring new ideas of presentation to a centuries-old art.
The flame of circus burns brighter than ever before, drawing us all into a world that soars above, yet always parallels, our lives. “To run away to the Circus” is achieved by a lucky few but the opportunity is open to all. The need to have that opportunity is an essential part of the relevance of “ Le Cirque” in today’s increasingly sanitised and sterilised world. It represents the free spirit of man and the ability to improve, innovate and face challenges head on.
QUIRKI seeks not only to define this world of new circus, but also to present one facet of its evolving story. We never forget who are the most important people – the audience without whom there is no reason for continuing. It is for them we continue to push our art and performances into exciting uncharted territories. The surrealism movement acknowledge its truest expression as being ‘the juxtaposition of the Big Top, caravans and artistes on an urban landscape”.
QUIRKI was never merely my dream – it was a knowledge, a certainty that my Circus, the Circus of my ancestors, would evolve into a relevant entertainment, enabling it to grow, flourish and go forward confidently in the new millennium.
Vive le Cirque!
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for news on future performances.