This Week — 17 April 2021

BLACK LIVES MATTER (PERIOD.)

The lives, families, thoughts, experiences, work, research, art, food and music of Black people still matter. Black women and Black trans people are daily lifting up their communities, building up culture, and offering vocal solutions for systemic issues — yet they are consistently disdained, ignored or under-valued for these contributions. This needs to change. No one should be targeted for going about their daily routine, and there is no justice in a system that disproportionately criminalizes and antagonizes Black people, people of color, Indigenous people, and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Contribute to micro-grants for U.S. circus artists of color by donating to Connecting Circus Students Around the World (CSAW), which awards monthly financial assistance to circus artists to create new work.
Read this brief guide to being an ally. (summary: don’t ask BIPOC to do the work or relive trauma for you).
Support or organize a mutual aid network in your community. This extraordinary document from 730DC is a great resource for mutual aid, food banks, medical services and community advocacy organizations you can get behind.
Support Daunte Wright’s family as they grieve their loss and rebuild their lives.
Donate to justice for Dominique Williams, who was killed along with James Johnson in Takoma Park on April 7.

SUBMIT

SUBMIT YOUR VIDEO – DEADLINE EXTENDED!

Why do you love circus? This is the question we’re answering in our upcoming video compilation to celebrate World Circus Day and the First of May, when many traditional circuses used to start their touring seasons. Use your phone to film a 30-second video telling us why you love circus so we can include it in the compilation, which will appear on our Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. All the tools for submission are in this Google form.

WATCH

April 17

Acrobatic Conundrum presents their virtual show taking circus beyond the tent in Between Dreams. This production is a cross between a show and a movie, collecting the Covid-stifled thoughts and emotions of 12 circus artists in a feature-length performance. The show premieres on April 17 at 10 p.m. EST., but will be viewable for a whole month. Get tickets at this link.

April 19

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus presents Open Stage Quarantine Edition: Season 3 at 8 p.m. EST on Facebook and YouTube. Your humble listserv author will be making an appearance in the show this week!

April 24 & 25

Zip Zap Circus will debut their cinematic reflection on the global pandemic through the eyes of South African youth in MOYA | An Acrobatic Art Film. Watch this stunning piece of filmmaking and movement on Saturday or Sunday. Get tickets to stream it at this link.

April 24

The creations of the 48 Hour Puppet Film Project will be screened for your entertainment starting at 1 p.m. EDT. Visit this link for more information.

ATTEND

April 17 & 18

Virtual AYCOfest 2021, organized by the American Youth Circus Organization, is fast approaching. Enjoy online workshop sessions and panel discussions fraught with valuable information about youth circus education and individual growth. Visit this link to view the schedule and purchase a ticket for registration.

May 8

Fearless Fire founder Thomas Santiago will be running three fire-eating workshops, from beginner to advanced, in Baltimore. These workshops will be run according to the latest CDC guidelines and Covid-19 statistics in the area. Get more information and register at the Facebook event page.