Circus Open Stage

Circus Open Stage returns to Flipside! This second edition, will feature a range of circus disciplines, from acrobatics and juggling, to the Cyr Wheel.

Comprising short routines revolving around a theme, Circus Open Stage showcases the talents of Singapore-based ground circus artists and practitioners, promising a captivating show that will leave you in awe.

About the performances:

Calm in Chaos (by Aqeel)

Life can sometimes be chaotic and catch us by surprise. We experience this especially when we transit into different phases in life. Our lives, like a diabolo, may spin out of control without any clear direction. Yet, on the other hand, we are like the string which does its best to remain in control, knowing that it will hold on to the diabolo no matter what. Through the exploration of height and space with a diabolo, Aqeel depicts his calmness and composure when navigating the obstacles, as well as the life and death decisions he faces in his life.

A Man and His Friend (by Bryan "Brylights" Wong)

Even before his involvement with the circus scene, the Cyr wheel has always captivated the Brylights’ attention with its beautiful movements and impressive stunt work. He knew that he would one day pick it up. However, the journey was filled with tons of challenges, and it took him more than a year before he could even do his first show with the Cyr wheel. Even though it took longer than anything he has practiced before, it is also more rewarding than anything else. This act portrays the artist's love at first sight and his journey of forming a wonderful partnership with the Cyr wheel.

Leviwand performance (by Bryan "Brylights" Wong)

Featuring the Leviwand, this dance portrays a profound and forbidden love shared between two individuals deeply enamoured with each other. They have much in common, and share many happy memories. Yet, despite trying their best, there seems to be an invisible boundary that prevents them from getting together. The boundary of terrible odds—be it timing, location, societal approval, or what not—simply make their unification impossible.

Reverie (by CQJK)

This act follows a couple who tries to reclaim what used to be theirs. Through different forms of acrobatic arts, the artists hope to capture the human desire for more time and the desperation that humans feel when it’s time to let go.

In Control, Out of Control (by Lina)

This is a solo Cyr wheel act that challenges the conventional notions of control, unfolding as a journey showcasing an exchange of power.

The narrative explores the dynamic interplay between liberation and surrender, subverting the traditional concept of autonomy and mastery. Instead of a dominant player, like the artist, asserting control over the wheel, this performance reveals a nuanced dance between strength and vulnerability.

Juggling performance (by Xuan)

This act explores the monotony of a student life without a balance of work and play, and the journey of rediscovering the joy of learning amidst repetitive routines. Singapore encourages a very “workaholic” lifestyle that prioritises productivity over individual wellness, and it really shows in the students who spend hours on end studying to stay afloat in our intense education system. Many students start to dread learning and lose their innate sense of curiosity. It becomes a painful cycle—go to school, absorb knowledge, go home, study, sleep, repeat—and learning becomes dull. Through this performance, the artist hopes that students can rediscover a childlike sense of curiosity and enjoy learning again.