**Circus Of The Self: A Captive Experience Of Juggling And Self-Discovery**
**Event Details:**
**When:** May 29 - June 6
**Where:** Spooky Action Theater, 1810 16th St., N.W.
**Special Offer:** Pay-What-You-Can on May 2
**Regular Price:** $35
Come along and join us at Spooky Action Theater, where an unforgettable adventure awaits!
## A theatrical journey in self-expression
Step right up and meet Lucy Eden, a mesmerizing transgender performer and exceptional juggler from Oakland, California. She invites you on a magical ride with her solo performance, *Circus Of The Self*. Timed perfectly with WorldPride celebrations, this show beautifully blends circus creativity with compelling storytelling.
Under Elizabeth Dinkova's expert direction, Spooky Action Theater's artistic director, this show weaves whimsey and heart. It invites you on a journey filled with juggling acts that reveal personal tales about identity and self-expression.
## From street fairs To center stage
Lucy Eden first crossed paths with Dinkova back in Atlanta. "Elizabeth needed some performers at a street fair, and I was keenly interested," Eden recalls. "That gig marked a wonderful start."
From juggling at corporate events and wowing fans at Atlanta Braves pre-game shows, Eden has honed an engaging style all her own. "Every event taught me which tricks really pull an audience in," she says knowingly.
Now thriving in Oakland, Eden presents a 77-minute spectacle combining burlesque, juggling, and her touching life stories.
## Sharing personal stories on stage
Some folks aren't eager about opening up their lives, but Eden sees it differently. "If there's a chance, why not take it?" she muses.
In a rare pause in her busy schedule, Eden reflects on her life's path, leading her where she stands now.
## Mastering circus arts: A self-taught journey
**BLADE:** How'd you pick up your circus skills?
**EDEN:** It all kicked off in my college senior year with a simple juggling kit. That started my passion, leading me onto more challenging feats like unicycling and object balancing.
Circus skills taught me a lot about resilience. Missing a catch? It's a visible stumble, much like life's ups and downs. It teaches grace in recovery, a lesson I've taken deeply.
## From entertainment To introspection
**BLADE:** How do you move from light-hearted acts To telling deep personal stories?
**EDEN:** Circus arts offer a unique stage where you can delve deeply.
In this show, we talk openly about transphobia and mental health—topics close, personal, and heartfelt. Growing as a transgender person in '90s rural Georgia wasn't easy. Through this performance, I aim at breaking some myths by sharing my truths.
## Embracing "queer joy"
**BLADE:** The term "queer joy" pops up with your show quite a bit. Can you explain what you mean?
**EDEN:** "Queer joy" isn't just a buzzword; it's a vital and nuanced idea. With so much happening nowadays, joy's tough but not impossible. My performance aims at being a vessel through which joy can be felt and spread.
## A unique WorldPride experience
**BLADE:** What makes your show stand out in this WorldPride lineup?
**EDEN:** Plenty mix storytelling and circus arts, but *Circus Of The Self* goes deeper. Influenced by queer comedians like Hannah Gadsby and Tig Notaro, it focuses more on personality than just laughs.
This show isn't just entertainment; it's a heartfelt nod To our queer community, hoping it echoes within others as it does with me.
Join us at Spooky Action Theater, and witness *Circus Of The Self*. It's bound To entertain, enlighten, and kindle inspiration—a heartfelt celebration like no other.
