Victoria’s Island Circus Space is bringing Canada’s climate crisis to centre stage with its new performance, Entanglements.
Integrating the art of aerial acrobatics with aquatic imagery, Entanglements explores how climate change is impacting Canada’s oceans and marine organisms.
Drawing on expertise from both professional marine scientists and performing artists, the creators of Entanglements aim to address the climate issue of ocean deoxygenation.
The performance will highlight the environmental themes of ecological grief, resilience, and hope, with a specific reference to the reduction of oxygen levels in Barkley Canyon due to climate change-induced warming.
Ruth Digby, a performer and climate scientist, explains to Victoria News how the show was initially developed:
“The idea for this innovative concert came to life as a joke, Digby explained. She and philosopher Audrey Yap were fooling around in the air during circus practices when someone commented that they looked like seaweed. The duo thought that it was a brilliant idea to organize an entire show about different aspects of the ocean and marine organisms.”
After delving into the severe effects of ocean deoxygenation, Digby shares the deeper meaning behind the upcoming performance:
“Climate change is having such incredibly profound impacts on environments that are so important to us and so important to other organisms, other non-human entities. And that ecological anxiety and that ecological grief can be crushing. And one of the best ways that I think either of us knows of to interface with these things is to express your pain through art.”
Entanglements premieres on June 6 at 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., and on June 7 at 2:30 p.m., at Island Circus Esquimalt, 903 Devonshire Rd.
The performance is advertised as suitable for all ages, though it is important to consider that serious environmental themes will be covered.
According to event coordinators, “proceeds from ticket sales will go to support local Indigenous land stewardship organizations.”
Tickets are available at https://www.islandcircusspace.com/entanglements
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Christina is a Copywriter from Canada with a Master of Arts in Sociology from Queen’s University. As a social science graduate, Christina is immensely passionate about society and culture, consumer behaviour trends, environmental sustainability, and human rights advocacy. With 7+ years of proficiency in written communication, qualitative research, and critical thinking skills, Christina strives to make a meaningful difference through crafting compelling narratives and impactful content.