Cirucs Amok

New York City is filled with an abundant variety of theatre groups that are for social change; one of them is Circus Amok. Circus Amok was founded in 1989 by “the Bearded Lady”, or otherwise known as Jennifer Miller. Miller, along with the rest of the cast of this circus-theatre company, had a mission “to provide free public art addressing contemporary issues of social justice to the people of New York City”. The group performs in various New York City parks, and the performances are always free of charge. The audience ranges from all different ages, and has not received any bad connotations. Circus Amok combines the enjoyment of the circus with present time issues in order to help society of different ages get a better understanding of the topics in a fun, outdoor environment.

First, let us speak of “the Bearded Lady,” Jennifer Miller. “Jennifer Miller is a playwright, performer and the director and founder of Circus Amok”. For over twenty years, she has been working in the theatre, dance, and different circus acts. “Her work with Circus Amok was awarded a “Bessie” (a New York Dance and Performance Award) in 1995 and an OBIE in 2000”. She has worked in the dance field with a variety of different dancers: Cathy Weis, Jeff Weis, Jenny Monson, John Jasperse, Johanna Boyce, Doug Elkins. She performed as “the Bearded Lady” at the Coney Island Sideshow for about seven years. “She toured her solo shows Morphadyke and Free Toasters Everyday here and abroad”. Miller is a very accomplished individual and continues to help Circus Amok grow while also helping to get the word out about social issues.

Circus Amok is most definitely not just a circus act; it is an invigorating group that approaches “the show with the intent to create substantial and meaningful thoughts and discussions among audience members” . They use “traditional circus skills — tight rope walking, juggling, acrobatics, stilt walking,” and “clowning” which “are combined with experimental dance,...