New Philadelphia-based performance company, The Circus Opera Company is bringing opera to new heights with the world premiere of THE TIRE SWING at Christ Church Neighborhood House (20 N. American Street, Philadelphia), running for a limited engagement September 4, 8, and 15, 2024. The piece synthesizes new classical music with dynamic circus arts, and examines the idea of reconnecting with child-like joy as an adult. THE TIRE SWING is part of Cannonball at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival.
“Distancing ourselves from who we were as kids can unfortunately be seen as a sign of maturity or ‘growing up,’ but I have always had a problem with that idea,” says Steve Crino, Music Director and composer of the piece. “This piece reminds us that play is an essential part of being human, and necessary in all stages of life. I am excited to present this piece to the Fringe audience, and to get them thinking about how play can re-enter their adult lives authentically.”
Casie Girvin, Artistic Director and performer adds, “this piece is for an adult audience, but we welcome kids age seven and older. This circus opera will mean something different to different ages, and I think there’s something really beautiful about that.”
This one-act circus opera is composed by Steven Crino, with libretto by Laurel Andersen, and features Casie Girvin as “Girl” and Nicole Renna as “Woman.” The piece depicts a woman returning to the overgrown backyard of her childhood home, where she is greeted by her 8-year-old self. Together, on the last night of summer, the woman and child share an adventure. The performers sing while doing acrobatics on the Lyra (the “tire swing”) throughout the show. Ultimately, the opera is an exploration of aging, memory, play, and encourages us to rekindle our child-like joy, while still embracing our adult selves.
Tickets to THE TIRE SWING are currently on sale by visiting https://phillyfringe.org/events/the-tire-swing/ General admission is $25, with PWYC options. More information on The Circus Opera Company can be found at circusoperacompany.org and via Instagram @circusoperacompany
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