Behind the Scenes: Yaron Lifschitz, artistic director

We spoke with Yaron Lifschitz, artistic director of Circa Contemporary Circus, to find out more about their upcoming show, Sacre. The show will have its UK premiere at Brighton Festival 2022.

'There are so many great dance versions of Stravinsky, But I never believe anyone is actually in jeopardy. I figured circus could change that.'

Circa Contemporary Circus is one of the world's leading performance companies. The ensemble will join Brighton Festival from 23-28 May for the UK premiere of their exhilarating and dramatic circus show, Sacre. 

Where did the idea or inspiration come from for Sacre?

I love Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. There are so many great dance versions. But I never believe anyone is actually in jeopardy. So, I figured circus could change that, and I made a show with my team that is brutal and uncompromising but also surprisingly tender.

How would you describe your show/event in three words?

Tender, savage, thrilling

What do you hope people will take away from Sacre after they have seen it?

I hope people will leave the show with a sense that we are all connected, and with that comes both hope and danger. I want the audience to sit for an hour and be too tense to draw breath!

Are you looking forward to being part of Brighton Festival 2022?

I love Brighton Festival. I adored making Depart in Woodvale Cemetery for Brighton Festival 2017. I am honoured to present the UK premiere of Sacre in the historic Theatre Royal Brighton. It is such a physical, uncompromising piece of theatre – one light, ten bodies, and an hour of sheer intensity. I can’t wait!

Sacre 23-28 May, Theatre Royal Brighton

Visit brightonfestival.org/whats-on/circa-sacre to find out more.