BIPOC circus acrobats explore rage and power in new ODC performance, 'Triggered.'

"This is uniquely partner acrobatics, which to me is a special type of circus because you are not working with an apparatusyou are working with another person, another human, explains co-creator and administrator Ariel Mihic. There is a huge need for communication and trust. You are literally holding people up, and they are depending on you to keep them safe and make art while doing this. I don't know of any other BIPOC performance that is done in this discipline. (Nouveau Sud)"

"A program like this is long overdue, says co-creator and producer Azrael Mael Eoin. American circus has a history rooted in the exploitation of artists of color, and racism is still prevalent in the arts to this day. Take Power, Make Power puts resources back into the hands of incredible artists who are best positioned to use their skills for social change and empowers them to create without the fear of censorship."

"Having a place where [Black and brown artists] can create together, find joy in camaraderie, and process our experiences through the creative process has been the dream, confirms resident artist Serena Tang. While the themes of this performance are heavy, they are meant to encourage healthy conversations about anger, rage, and isolation, fearlessly exploring these emotions in a way that is unapologetic and cathartic while also being transformative and poetic."

Triggered is the culmination of the BIPOC Acro Collective Care Ecosystem's (BACCES) Take Power, Make Power artist residency pilot program. A cohort of ten BIPOC acrobats underwent a seven-month mentorship from acclaimed BIPOC artists in immersive theatre, narrative circus, cultural devising, and modern dance. The residency emphasizes partner acrobatics, requiring high levels of communication and trust because performers physically support one another while making art. The initiative returns resources to artists historically exploited by American circus and seeks to empower creators to use their skills for social change without fear of censorship. The performance explores anger, rage, isolation, and grief with unapologetic, cathartic, and transformative intent.

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