THE CHAOS PROJECT

The Chaos Project is a contemporary circus show made up of three distinct but interrelated vignettes exploring the thematic concepts of chaos and order. The work uses movement to delve into how these concepts intersect, collide, compliment and challenge one another in different human settings.

The overall project is Conceived and Directed by Kirsten Edwards with Dramaturgy by Zita Nyarady and Produced by Hercinia Arts Collective. Each vignette is led by a different choreographer in collaboration with the performing artists, offering a variety of perspectives on the work, themes and overall concepts.

Part I: PLAY

Part I: PLAY takes place on a school playground and uses structured improvisation on dance trapeze to explore these concepts through the lens of play.

Part II: CORPORATE CHAOS

Part II: CORPORATE CHAOS uses aerial ropes (corde lisse) to explore the competitive and capitalist corporate world.

2023 Creation for Parts I & II was made possible through funding from Toronto Arts Council and Ontario Arts Council, with studio support from Studio Flux.
with additional thanks to 2014 performer/collaborators: Sandra Crljenica, Kirsten Edwards, Jaz Empson, Kadri Hansen, Emily Hughes, Molly Keczan, Natalie Parkinson Dupley, Mark Segal & Chris Taylor

Part III: REVOLUTION

Part III: Revolution is set in a post-apocalyptic environment and focuses on the aftermath of a cataclysmic event. Through this lens, the project seeks to give body, shape and form to the chaotic times we are all presently navigating. The piece uses a unique, custom-designed aerial apparatus and vertical dance counterbalance conceived by Diana Lopez-Soto.

Initial creation for The Chaos Project Part III was made possible through the support of The Canada Council for the Arts in 2021 and 2024, with venue support provided by The Bentway in Summer 2021.

The Chaos Project has been in development since 2013 with Parts I & II originally presented as part of the Contemporary Circus Arts Festival of Toronto and A Spectacle of Play in 2014, as seen in the archival video below.

The latest phase of creation began in 2021, beginning with initial creation of Part III, and has since solidified each of three vignettes. We are now actively pursuing partners to help us realize our dream of a full production in public space. If you or someone you know can help us to realize this dream, please contact us at hello@herciniarts.com.

As this project continues to evolve into its final stages, we are grateful for the support of our community.
If you have the capacity and you'd like to assist financially in the journey to full production, donations of any amount are greatly appreciated.