Circus Amok Inc

Circus Amok Inc is a nonprofit organization based in New York City, known for its experimental and political circus-theater performances. The organization, with an Employer Identification Number (EIN) of 113485125, is classified as a 501(c)(3) entity, which supports charitable, educational, and artistic activities[5].

History

Founded in 1989 by performance artist Jennifer Miller, Circus Amok began as a troupe that blended circus artistry with theater to address contemporary social justice issues. They started touring NYC parks annually in 1994, performing in small neighborhood parks and public squares across Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens[2].

Performances

Circus Amok is celebrated for its vibrant one-ring spectacles that combine acrobatics, satire, and queer themes. Their performances are designed to be accessible and free, often featuring diverse acts that evoke laughter and reflection on social issues. Recent themes have included housing, healthcare, gentrification, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, and public education[2].

Style and Influence

The troupe draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including Charles Ludlam's Theater of the Ridiculous for its drag aesthetics, and Bread and Puppet Theater for the use of whole-body masks. Circus Amok's style also incorporates the movement vocabulary of post-modern dance and the energy of sideshow performances. Their performances blend danger with laughter, using pies in the face and surreal characters to convey social commentary[3].

Educational Programs

In addition to public performances, Circus Amok Inc creates and presents theatrical works and offers educational workshops[4].

Recent Shows

Past shows by Circus Amok Inc have included titles like "Sub-Prime Sublime" (2008), "MOO" (2012), "At the Crossroads" (2014), and "Enough is Enough" (2018). The troupe continues to engage audiences with new performances each year, such as "THE DOUBLE, or, The Wisdom of the Owl" in 2024[2][3].

Mission

Circus Amok Inc aims to provide free public art that addresses social justice issues, promoting community engagement and queer celebration through its unique blend of circus and theater arts.