The Circus Village, Wales

Welsh focus fortnight

The first two weeks of the programme was geared towards the broader Welsh Circus sector, and the specific needs of the people in it. Whether you were a professional, an enthusiastic amateur, or an emerging artist, there were valuable opportunities for everybody to learn, develop and grow. Much of the programme was delivered bilingually, and there was a distinct focus on creating work in the Welsh language.

Through a series of 3-day residencies and a curated programme of workshops, the emphasis was split between creating shows, developing performance skills, and exploring how we could adapt our work to suit different contexts. Each day also included a dedicated open space period where we trained, tried things out, socialised, built networks and had fun. Finally, as the day drew to a close we came together to talk, share ideas and get to know each other over an evening meal.

All elements of the full programme were represented within the Welsh focus fortnight.

Teaching and Training

For both experienced teachers and trainers, as well as those wishing to transition into teaching, we facilitated a sharing of knowledge and skills throughout the sector in an open and fun environment. Focussing on achieving best practice through tips, techniques and a range of masterclasses from specialists in different areas of circus teaching, there was something for everybody. Alongside developing the technical skills, we also explored ways of drawing out the artistry, working out how we could best create opportunities to inspire students and improve creativity in circus classes.

Special consideration was given to exploring the issues around increasing diversity and inclusivity within our programmes, as well as how to adjust our focus when inspiring and engaging with young people.

Working Outdoors

Whilst much of the programme was delivered in the Big Top, we were also placing emphasis on creating work outdoors. With a varied programme of workshops, residencies, discussions and masterclasses, we looked to explore all of the key issues and considerations when it comes to making circus for the open air.

Looking at different contexts and environments, from festival walkabouts to larger-scale outdoor spectaculars, we invited specialists from across outdoor arts to teach and inspire us. Focus was placed on working within the landscape and how the environment, be it rural or urban, could contribute to and enrich a show. We explored the radical tradition and contemporary role that circus and street arts could play in exposing social injustice, and towards inspiring creative voices in protest and activism.

Digital Circus

After a period of closed buildings and cancelled outdoor events, exploring the possibilities of presenting work online has never been more relevant. Working to translate what is undeniably a live and three-dimensional experience is challenging, and much of what makes it special can be lost on screen. However, in the age of the 3 minute internet video clip, the 3 minute circus act has the potential to be a sensation. We looked at how we could combine the art of cinematography with circus arts and create something spectacular that brought the best of both, creating an experience that drove something different to the live showing, rather than taking away from it.

Working in small groups with professional videographers using high and low tech equipment, we explored all of the possibilities that technology could bring. From integrating digital content into live performance to looking at video mapping technology and live camera feedback, we played with as many ideas as we could in an open and experimental way.

Creative Rigging

At the heart of many great circus shows is a great rigging setup. Looking at ideas both traditional and contemporary, we dived deep into the specifics of rigging in circus performance. Interrogating topics such as counterweighting, complex flown structures and outdoor rigging we looked to leave no stone unturned.

Working with a team of experienced riggers and with engineering and fabrication support, we provided as much hands-on experience with some creative rigging challenges. Taking place within the Big Top, the range of possibilities were vast, and we ensured that there was plenty of room for experimentation in an open and safe environment.