Mark Lonergan: Reimagining Circus and Physical Theater
Next week, Mark Lonergan joins our podcast to discuss the NY Physical Theater Festival, happening in NYC from January 9–19. Now in its second edition, the festival shows great potential and fulfills a growing need for a physical theater community on the East Coast of the US. Mark Lonergan, the co-founder of the festival, Founding Artistic Director of Parallel Exit, and a three-time Drama Desk Award nominee for Unique Theatrical Experience, shares insights into this exciting event. Don’t miss this sneak peek and be sure to catch the full episode with host Anna Robb next week, where the conversation delves beyond the festival itself!
How did you transition from acting to directing and creating in physical theater and circus?
I trained in a conservatory-style acting program at York University in Canada, focusing on traditional acting. During my studies, I discovered a passion for physical movement, dance, and non-verbal expression. This interest led me to form my own company, Parallel Exit, which creates original works grounded in physical performance. Over the years, I collaborated with clowns and circus artists, notably directing shows for the Big Apple Circus. This blend of physical theater and circus has become a natural evolution of my artistic journey.
Why are live, physical performances so impactful, especially post-pandemic?
There’s an unmatched visceral connection in live performances that audiences crave, particularly after being isolated during the pandemic. Physical theater and circus offer a shared, unrepeatable experience. Performers often interact with the audience, creating a dynamic that no streaming service can replicate. Post-pandemic, there’s been a renewed hunger for live events, especially among family audiences, as people seek tangible and communal cultural experiences.
How does Parallel Exit approach the creation of new shows, particularly unscripted works?
Our creative process begins with a concept, which could stem from a story idea or a desire to incorporate a specific form, such as tap dance or juggling. Collaboration is central—our performers contribute to developing material in the studio over a year or more. For example, during the pandemic, we created Sunset Circus, initially a video project, which has since evolved into a live show featuring circus disciplines like aerial acts and juggling. This iterative process allows us to push boundaries and explore new artistic directions.
How has integrating circus into your physical theater work evolved your creative approach?
Initially, our circus projects focused on clowning. Over time, we’ve incorporated diverse circus disciplines like trapeze, aerial rope, and Cyr wheel. For our latest project, we’re developing original material collaboratively with circus artists, rather than relying on pre-existing acts. This shift allows us to blend storytelling, character work, and circus skills, creating a unique narrative-driven experience. It’s challenging but rewarding, as we aim to push the boundaries of what circus can achieve artistically.
What challenges do you see in funding and supporting the arts in the U.S., and how can it improve?
One significant challenge is the lack of funding for the arts on a national level. For instance, New York City’s Department of Cultural Affairs grants more annually than the entire National Endowment for the Arts for the entire country. This disparity highlights the need for systemic change to prioritize and support culture nationwide. Investing in the arts isn’t just culturally enriching; it’s economically viable. Convincing lawmakers of this value remains a persistent hurdle, but it’s essential for the long-term sustainability of the industry.
Key Takeaways
- Collaboration is Key
Mark emphasizes the importance of surrounding himself with talented and kind collaborators who contribute to a positive creative environment. - Live Experiences Are Irreplaceable
Physical theater and circus offer a unique immediacy and connection, especially in a post-pandemic world hungry for live interactions. - Innovation in Circus
By deconstructing traditional circus elements and incorporating narrative and character work, Parallel Exit aims to push the art form into new territories. - Artistic Sustainability
The company operates on a lean budget, channeling resources directly into its artists and performances, proving that impactful art doesn’t always require massive funding. - Advocacy for Arts Funding
There’s a pressing need to elevate the arts funding model in the U.S. to support artists across all regions, not just in major cultural hubs like New York.
Featured Image: Randy Kato and the Cyr Wheel (Photo by Maike Schultz)
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