Yaron Lifschitz: The Art and Evolution of Circus
Anna Robb’s upcoming podcast episode with Yaron Lifschitz couldn’t come at a better time. Yaron Lifschitz, a visionary leader in the performing arts and the Artistic Director and CEO of Circa, is set to receive the prestigious Distinguished Artist Award next week at the annual ISPA conference in New York City. This award honors artists who have made an exceptional contribution of talent, artistry, dedication, and service to the performing arts world.
In this special episode, Anna delves into Yaron’s inspiring journey, his groundbreaking work with CIRCA, and his commitment to fostering the next generation of circus artists. Catch a sneak peek of this insightful conversation before the full episode drops next week on all podcast platforms. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the leading artistic entrepreneurs of our time!
What sparked your journey into the arts, and how did you discover your passion for directing?
My journey into the arts was unexpected. I had no interest in the arts throughout school. My turning point came in Year 11 during an English class. We were tasked with staging a Shakespeare scene, and I ended up directing. A classmate casually remarked, “You’d be good at that.” It was like a light bulb moment; I knew directing was my calling. Later, I arranged a residency at the Sydney Theatre Company, and I fell in love with the energy, order, and rituals of theater. It was a complete shift in direction, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
How did you transition into circus arts, and what draws you to this genre?
I initially directed plays, operas, and other live events but soon realized that traditional plays didn’t resonate with me. Joining Circa (then called Rock and Roll Circus) opened a new world of possibilities. Circus is unique—it’s about the audience’s visceral response. The art form has real-time risk and jeopardy, which creates an undeniable presence. I’m particularly drawn to its interdisciplinary nature. Circus collaborates beautifully with music, dance, opera, and other forms, making it dynamic and contemporary. Importantly, circus lives by the mantra, “Thou shalt not bore,” which I think theater sometimes forgets.
How do you approach creating circus productions, especially when there’s no script to guide the process?
Creating circus productions is a chaotic, iterative process. There’s no standard method—it’s about starting with an idea, experimenting, and finding connections. Over time, I’ve become more comfortable with instability and improvisation. I rely on a few markers to guide the creative journey, but each project feels like solving a new puzzle. I’ve learned to embrace the chaos and trust in my team’s talent and dedication. The process is unpredictable, but that’s what makes it exciting and rewarding.
How do you balance your roles as artistic director and CEO of Circa?
Balancing these roles is challenging, but I prioritize being an artistic director. It’s the role that shapes the organization’s vision and creative direction. The CEO role is more of a functional necessity to ensure the company operates smoothly. I have a great team that supports me in both capacities, and they help prevent overcompromise. Being an artistic director comes with the responsibility to guide, mentor, and uphold the artistic integrity of the work, which I consider my true passion.
How is circus evolving, and what challenges does the industry face today?
Circus has expanded massively over the past 15 years, becoming more integrated with other art forms like opera and theater. However, the novelty of contemporary circus as a “new” art form is fading. The genre faces significant challenges, such as stagnant funding, increased costs, and the decline of traditional touring models. Despite this, the demand for unique, high-quality performances remains strong. Audiences are seeking event-like experiences, but companies must adapt to survive. At Circa, we’re navigating these changes by embracing risk-sharing models and finding innovative ways to connect with audiences.
Key Takeaways
- Finding Passion by Chance
Yaron discovered his love for directing unexpectedly, showing how new experiences can reveal hidden talents. - The Unique Power of Circus
Circus combines real-time risk, physicality, and audience connection, creating an unmatched immediacy and energy. - Creative Processes are Fluid
Circus creation thrives on chaos, experimentation, and organic connections, requiring flexibility and collaboration. - Balancing Roles
As both artistic director and CEO, Yaron emphasizes blending creative vision with practical leadership. - Adapting to Evolve
Circus is evolving into contemporary spaces but must adapt financially and creatively to remain relevant.
Featured Image Credit: David Kelly (Yaron Lifschitz (right) in rehearsal with members of the Circa ensemble)
Editor's Note: At StageLync, an international platform for the performing arts, we celebrate the diversity of our writers' backgrounds. We recognize and support their choice to use either American or British English in their articles, respecting their individual preferences and origins. This policy allows us to embrace a wide range of linguistic expressions, enriching our content and reflecting the global nature of our community.
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