With primal, pulsating rhythms and innovative choreography, CIRCA: Humans 2.0 pushes the boundaries of contemporary circus.

It even extends the confines of what the performers think they can do, not just physically, but also mentally as performers, said artist Tristan St. John. Its core values, in addition to safety, include: quality, audacity and humanity. As such, it redefines the art form by delivering innovative, extremely physical and emotive pieces.

On any given tour, it offers a range of shows to venues. For instance, this year’s Human 2.0 differs from another show it offers: “The Ugly Duckling,” which features partner work and a clear narrative. Of course, given the Vilar’s physically active demographic, staff chose 2.0 to wow the audience with CIRCA’s sheer physicality.

---

---

“2.0 is the exploration of human movement and the breakdown of the human body,” St. John said. “It challenges what humans can do. It’s just nonstop acrobatics.”

The demanding 70-minute performance begins with the ensemble suddenly appearing in a flash of light. They move in harmony, then fall into a trance as bodies stacked upon each other grow, decay, leap and are caught, striving to find balance.

---

---

“You watch us break down through different languages of acrobatics,” he said, pointing out that music by composer Ori Lichtik drives the movement. “It centers around different grooves and energies throughout.”

For instance, the music infects one artist in one scene, creating a jittery feeling, almost as if being electrocuted by the groove. That artist might strive to balance another standing upon him or her, with a seemingly shaky foundation, making the feat extremely difficult. Then, the person on top might get infected, shaking atop a relatively stable underpinning.

“As the roles change … it changes what people expect,” he said.

Trust remains key, both on and off stage. The well-trained, 11-member cast travels, performs and eats with each other, which inherently builds trust. Additionally, checking in on show day and talking about how each slept and is feeling physically and mentally adds another level of safety and trust.

“There’s no pressure to perform a higher skill that night (if an involved artist is compromised), because safety is first in the company policy,” he said.

But even if they do cut a skill, the show overflows with visceral, tension-building stunts, from aerial silks acts to working with straps and architectural group acrobatics.