NYC Dance Happenings- Cirque Mechanics

A Whacky Factory
By: Ashley L. Mathus

Willy Wonka meets Cirque du Soleil in Birdhouse Factory, a performance by Cirque Mechanics. Watching the production is like being an eleven year old again, walking into a funhouse of trickery and suspense. It’s gymnastics with a 1920s spin. Created by Cirque du Soleil veterans, Birdhouse Factory takes the exciting innovations of machines invented in the early twentieth-century, and fashions an assembly line of circus acts. The set and costumes have a rustic appearance, rewinding the audiences’ memory to simpler days. Dancers, clowns, contortionists, and acrobats swing in an out of dusty silver wheels, weaving the set like a black and white film.

What makes a perfect birdhouse? Well, we think it depends who you ask, though “birdhouses” seem a thing of the past. Cirque Mechanics successfully bridges the gap between past and present, aspiring to pay a tribute to “a time gone by”. New Yorkers will be entranced by Cirque Mechanics’ vision and timely twist on the tight-knit definitions of ‘circus’. The company wields and yields talent into an original art and learning experience. Backhand springs, aerials, parallel bars, and over-sized props stimulate the factory’s energy, thereby initiating excitement in a work environment that is usually monotonous. Dramatic lighting techniques paired with the simplicity of overalls takes away all pretension, a clown instead of an executive approaches technology. The San Francisco Chronicle has said, “A superb integration of circus skills and music, light and choreography…the glory is in the excellence of its performers.” Birdhouse Factory has been traveling the states for some time, and they’re reigning in NYC until December 14th. A fun-loving and exceptional show for children and adults alike!

Please visit newvictory.org for ticket information. The New Victory Theater is located at 209 W. 42nd St., right in the heart of Times Square. Priced at only $15 a seat, we think Cirque Mechanics will fit right into your holiday budget.