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An Outdoor Circus Production - Mirabelle Arts
‘The Silent Forest’ is a contemporary circus theatre project that will both captures the imagination for nature’s incredible beauty and highlights mankind’s destructive and insatiable traits.
We are taking our inspiration from the Asian Songbird Crisis – So named for the rapid and alarming permanent loss of some of nature’s most unique creations due to illegal trading and habitat destruction.
By matching each circus artist and their discipline to a different species of bird we showcase the specific characteristics that make these birds so incredible, and sadly, so desirable.
In doing so we hope to prompt an important audience connection between nature’s fragile beauty and humanity’s drastic effect on it.
This project has been created with help from The Arts Council England, Unit 15 (residency with The Invisible Circus Launchpad), 101 Outdoor arts and EAZA
Project sections:
Audiences will engage with the environment by watching the show surrounded by and within nature.
Audiences will learn about the ongoing Asian Songbird Crisis through accessible entertainment.
Project will attract new audiences to the hosting venues.
Audiences will be reminded of the importance of conservation and its environmental benefits.
Due to the illegal and unsustainable trade in wild birds and loss of habitat many species are nearing extinction
Image source: National Geographic
Image source: Camp Bestival Shropshire
MATT KNIGHT
Mattwill represent the NIAS HILL MYNA bird using his break dancing, aerial and acting skills.
The birds’ curious and fearless nature will be reflected in Matt’s dance and movement quality.
Matt is a multi skilled performer and has over 10 years experience. Peter Pan arena tour is one that stands out as Matt flys, singing, acts, climbs and even sword fights as Peter Pan himself. He also made it to the semi finals on the BBC One TV show ‘Let It Shine’. In Little Mermaid the Circus Musical Matt played the Prince with strong aerial work in the trapeze and acrobatics throughout and through his portrayal as Laurel in Laurel and Chaplin he showcases his talent for comedic acting. As well as stunt doubling and dancer for Jack Whitehall Christmas tour and For Dec on Ant & Dec’s Text Santa show.
Tamzen Moulding
TAMZEN will represent the BALI STARLING whose preference for staying in the canopy will be reflected in high aerial apparatus.
The silks can be used to depict the tree holes in which the Bali Starlings live and the dramatic aerial attacks which the birds use as a defence.
As an aerialist, gymnast and hand-balancer Tamzen is an extremely creative artist who directs and choreographs her own circus theatre.
She is a Guinness World Record holder for synchronised aerial silks and has performed globally in arena tours and with the Royal Opera.
Rebecca Solomon
REBECCA will depict the JAVAN GREEN MAGPIE whose energetic movement she will emulate with dance and aerial skills.
The aerial apparatus will be rigged at a low level to reflect the lower foothills and mountain forest which the birds prefer.
Rebecca is a theatre maker, multi-disciplinary aerialist and tutor specialising in rope, straps and doubles trapeze.
Recent credits include“Hive City Legacy” (Roundhouse, Briefs Factory), “Fierce Sisters” (Mimbre) and “Extraordinary Bodies” (Cirque Bijou).
Julien Marc-Roussel
JULIEN will represent the SUMATRAN LAUGHINGTHRUSH. Julien’s skill on the aerial pole reflects the flight of the bird.
The pole will depict the lower stories of forest which the Sumatran Laughingthrush prefers.
Julien is currently the Male European pole champion and Doubles Pole Champion in PoleArt Europe.
Recent credits include “The Lion King” (West End and European Tour), “Strictly Come Dancing” (BBC) and Bollyflex.
Lexington Milczarek
Lex will represent the WHITE RUMPED SHAMA. Lex’s movements on the cyr wheel will reflect the bird’s mannerisms and habitat.
The pole will depict the lower stories of forest which the Sumatran Laughingthrush prefers.
Lex performs internationally as a circus artist, dancer and actor including in theatre productions such as the Rakes Progress at the ROH, Starlight Express and Aida. As a commercial dancer he has been featured alongside artistes such as Alisha Dixon, Take That & Whitney Houston Live on The X Factor & Royal Variety Show and as an actor/dancer in StreetDance3D, Tomb Raider and Maleficent 2.
His solo circus acts include Cyr Wheel, Roller Skating & Fire Performance & has represented brands such as WKD, Skoda, Porsche & many Circus companies world wide.
Charlie Bartlett (Composer)
False Identity conjours manifold immersive aural worlds; from lush forests, rich with vibrant melodies to brooding cityscapes resonating with glitchy electronic noise. Drawing inspiration foundations from the realms of dub, psychadelia and classical music, building fresh yet familiar new worlds for your ears to explore.
Examples of Charlie’s other work can be found here.
Stacey Doherty (Composer)
Stacey is an international Saxophonist and composer. Writing cinematic, honest compositions written from the purest place. Stacey has written and produced an album a brave portrayal of her deepest thoughts and feelings endeavours to captivate your heart and mind.
Examples of Stacey’s other work can be found here.
Aelfwyn Shipton (Composer)
Aelfwyn is a classically trained violinist and qualified teacher who has written music for dance and circus. She produces bespoke shows for events and has created unique acts.
Recent credits include show production for BEA 100th anniversary (Hong Kong), Leeds Light Night and BBC Countryfile.
Examples of Aelfwyn’s other work can be found here.
Workshops available for groups of up to 25 children, ages 5-12
Mask making
Flapping birds
Puppeteering
The Silent Forest Circus can be rigged from existing trees or from a truss structure
Unique props such as a hand balance tree are being planned and created in 2024
This project is supported by Arts Council England. We have previously been awarded a residency in 2021 with The Invisible Circus “Launchpad” to research and in 2024 has a residency at 101 Outdoor arts.
