Dixon Place describes itself as an artistic incubator which supports artists by producing original works of theater, dance, music, puppetry, circus arts, literature and visual art at all stages of development. I head downtown once or twice a year to see what’s on. The last time I went, the infamous play Sex by Mae West was excerpted and performed by women who, for various reasons, had been actual sex workers. After the performance, they took questions and had candid conversations about their lives, the historical significance of that play and women’s rights. Not for everyone but definitely made for thoughtful conversation afterward.
Last night’s less serious offering was Lucky by the Atlas Circus Company, a troupe formed by former students at Muhlenberg College. We follow Lucky as he travels to the big city and stumbles, trips and falls from one misadventure to the next, told through slapstick and circus skills. Lucky is best described as a combination of mime, Three Stooges tomfoolery, athleticism and magic tricks. As such, the four artists present an old style of eccentric clowning with no real words spoken (but sounds) and musical accompaniment (piano, recorded music). Think stolen briefcase hijinks and you will get the picture. Two performers had inspired bits throughout while the other two didn’t really have enough to do, despite some hilarious physicality. In Lucky, Atlas Circus is combining circus with a theatrical narrative. A nice diversion at downtown prices.