Generation Circus’ Over 50s Circus Showcase is making a comeback, a thrilling event that dispels the notion that play, performance, and daring feats are exclusively for the youth. This unique circus event for over 50s is being hailed as a powerful stand against ageism.
The performance will take place on Sunday, 14 June in Hertfordshire, UK, featuring an impressive lineup of circus artists aged between 50 and 96. The audience can expect to be dazzled by a variety of acts including trapeze, hula hoop, juggling, clowning, and dance.
The performers are regular participants of the circus skills workshops held at Ware Drill Hall under the banner of Generation Circus. These workshops offer a platform for them to learn new skills ranging from juggling to trapeze. These classes are entirely free and are funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
One of the performers, the pink-haired Carol, has shared how the circus helped her reconnect with life after the demise of her daughter four years ago. For her, performing became an escape from the harsh realities of life and brought some joy back into her existence.
The previous year’s show, titled ‘Will You Still Love Me?’ was a resounding success, drawing a sell-out audience of 500. Many performers from that event are set to return for this year’s showcase.
Carol, who performs trapeze, dance and hoop, has also embraced burlesque under her alter ego Talula Demure. Her message for others is to always remain a child at heart as age should not limit one’s zest for life.
Generation Circus is the brainchild of Emma Taylor and her daughter, Maisy. The duo has a rich background in contemporary and social circus. In the 90s, Emma and her husband Dave worked on a doubles trapeze act, with little Maisy always participating in the show.
Maisy, Dave, and Emma have been a circus family for three decades and have found building Generation Circus their most rewarding adventure. Dave contributes to the family project by working tirelessly behind the scenes, taking care of a range of tasks.
Last year’s performer, Alison, praised the nurturing and accepting environment that Emma has created with Generation Circus. It’s a place where everyone can be their authentic selves without judgment or restrictions.
Generation Circus founder, Emma Taylor, is of the belief that there’s a certain radicalness to seeing older adults reclaim play, performance, and visibility later in life. This sentiment is perfectly captured in the portraits taken by Andy Holloway, which feature older adults full of life, humor, and theatricality.
Clown and dancer, Bob shares that the circus has helped him discover his performer side. The group’s encouragement has unleashed a side of him that he never knew existed.
