Circumstances, from Belgium, are taking their circus show EXIT to the Edinburgh Fringe this summer. Company founder and choreographer Piet Van Dycke tells us more about the production.
“Four circus artists move through a shifting world of revolving walls and floating doors. In EXIT, choreographer Piet Van Dycke blends circus and dance into a thrilling physical performance where movement, partner acrobatics and balance form one shared language. With backgrounds in bascule, aerial belts, trapeze and acro-dance, they create a dynamic interplay of trust, risk and transformation. They propel, catch, climb and balance as they search for their own path, yet need one another to keep moving. A powerful, visually striking exploration of independence, connection and fragile balance. Four bodies. One path. No way out alone.”
Where: Main House at ZOO Southside
When: 18-30 Aug (not 24)
Ticket link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/exit
What can you tell us about your show? What is it about and where did the idea come from?
EXITÂ is a circus and dance performance for four performers navigating a constantly changing world of revolving walls and floating doors. Through partner acrobatics, balance and movement, they search for their own path while discovering that they cannot move forward alone. The show explores themes of independence, connection and trust.
The idea came from a feeling many of us experience today: the constant pressure to keep moving, producing and adapting. Life often feels like an endless series of choices and transitions. Every time one door closes, another opens. I wanted to translate that metaphor physically onto the stage and create a world where doors literally appear, disappear and change direction, forcing the performers to continuously find new ways forward.
How would you sell it to audiences in one paragraph?
Imagine four extraordinary circus artists moving through a giant kinetic playground of revolving walls and floating doors. EXIT combines breathtaking acrobatics, dance and visual theatre in a fast-paced, highly physical performance full of risk, humour and surprising images. It’s a show about finding your way when the path keeps changing beneath your feet. Whether you’re a circus lover or completely new to the art form, EXIT is an accessible and thrilling experience that speaks through the universal language of the body.
Do you enjoy participating in the Fringe? And do you have any moments you particularly remember?
This is actually our first time performing at the Edinburgh Fringe, so we’re stepping into it with a mixture of excitement, curiosity and healthy nerves. As artists, we’ve heard so many stories about the energy of the festival, the incredible diversity of work and the unique atmosphere that takes over the city every August. We don’t have Fringe memories yet, but hopefully we’ll leave Edinburgh with plenty of stories to tell.
What are you looking forward to the most in Edinburgh?
Meeting audiences from all over the world and being surrounded by artists from every possible discipline. The Fringe is such a unique place where unexpected encounters happen constantly, both on and off stage. We’re also looking forward to experiencing the city itself and immersing ourselves in the creative buzz that everyone talks about.
What’s next for the show?
That depends a little on how Edinburgh goes. We hope EXIT will continue travelling and finding new audiences internationally. The show is all about doors opening and closing, so we’re curious to see which new doors the Fringe might open for us. One thing is certain: hopefully it’s never really “exit” for EXIT.