On Sunday, April 13 at 4 p.m., Cirque Mechanics will return to Popejoy Hall to perform its latest creation, “Pedal Punk.”
Cirque Mechanics is “renowned for its groundbreaking fusion of circus artistry and mechanical ingenuity,” according to a Popejoy press release.
Founded in 2004 by married couple Chris and Aida Lashua, Cirque Mechanics puts a spin on American circus with a mix of mechanical elements and human acrobatics.
Chris Lashua said he builds all of the mechanics used in the show himself.
“There's something special — the beauty of the human body and these devices is what makes this group different from other modern theatrical circus touring companies,” Aida Lashua said.
Chris Lashua said he has a background in BMX, which is his inspiration for his creations.
“The tricks, the flips and all that stuff they do on bicycles — that was my background, and that's how I got involved with circus,” he said.
Pedal Punk features 90 different wheels and over 25 bike variations, including the 3,000-pound gantry bike, penny farthings, BMX bikes and unicycles. The bikes are combined with an ensemble of dancers, jugglers, contortionists and trampolinists, according to the press release.
Aida Lashua said she has a background in marketing and ended up touring with Cirque du Soleil as the head usher and head of box office.
“I have an understanding of everything that surrounds the circus, the box office, the audience, marketing and how to sell the show, so our skills sort of complement each other,” she said. “Chris is a creative mind; he comes up with the devices.”
Pedal Punk involves 11 performers whose personalities shine through, according to the press release.
Performers include real-life spouses Wendy and Nick Harden, who engage in courtship on unicycle; contortionist Windu Ben Sayles with his Snoopy aviator hat and Salvador Dalí mustache; and various trampoline tumblers, according to the press release.
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“It's nice to come back to a community that's been really supportive of these kinds of shows in the past,” Chris Lashua said.
Leila Chapa is the social media editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06
Paloma Chapa contributed reporting to this article.
Leila Chapa is the social media editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06
