(WNY News Now) – Jamestown, NY – Modern circus artists – Cirque Mechanics – return to Jamestown this month with an all-new performance. Zephyr will be presented at Reg Lenna Center for The Arts before a live audience Fri., Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
In Zephyr – A Whirlwind of Circus by Cirque Mechanics, audiences will witness the tug of war that exists between man and nature, in the name of progress. Humans have been harnessing the power of the wind for thousands of years. The beauty and efficacy of that timeless and ingenious process inspired the creative team at Cirque Mechanics to create a theatrical circus show that harnesses human power, instead of wind, to generate an energetic acrobatic experience.
Cirque Mechanics has designed and built a performance windmill to serve as the multi-functional mechanical centerpiece of our story. Mounted on a turntable, the windmill combines both modern and older more picturesque elements – with the transformation from one aspect to another providing a change of scenery in real time. Inspired by a visit to a working windmill in central England, Zephyr (which means gentle breeze from the Greek god of the west wind Zephyrus) tells the story of Nigel, mill owner and operator, and his complicated relationship with wind, the natural resource that powers his flour mill.
His reliance on wind is tested and in turn he is lured by fuel in the name of progress as his primary energy source. His choices cause elation and disruption, aptly represented by the community the mill serves as dynamic and lyrical circus acts. Nigel grapples with tough choices and unintended outcomes with humor and optimism, which lead to acceptance, coexistence and balance with wind, progress, and his
community.
community.
Cirque Mechanics has performed 3 times before at The Reg: first with Pedal Punk (2016), followed by 42FT – A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels (2019), then Birdhouse Factory in 2022.
The performance is made possible by corporate presenter M&T Bank and New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Tickets for Zephyr are on sale Monday and Friday, 12-5 p.m., Wednesday, 12-8 p.m., and one hour before upcoming events and movies. The box office (716.484.7070) is located at Reg Lenna Center for The Arts at 116 E. 3rd St. in Jamestown through the main entrance beneath the historic Palace Theater marquee. Tickets may also be purchased online via reglenna.com.
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