Cirque Mechanics

From the creative team that brought us Birdhouse Factory in 2022 and Pedal Punk in 2015 comes a fun-for-all-ages theatrical circus show inspired by the power of wind. Cirque Mechanics combines inspired storytelling and innovative mechanical staging for its latest smash, Zephyr. 

Instead of wind, Zephyr harnesses human power to generate an energetic experience, complete with a rotating windmill and breathtaking aerial acrobatics. An emotive and exhilarating tale about the choices humans have made regarding our planet and its resources, in Zephyr you will witness the tug of war that exists between man and nature, in the name of progress.

Cirque Mechanics has designed and built a performance windmill to serve as the multifunctional mechanical centerpiece of the story. Mounted on a turntable, the windmill combines both modern and older, more picturesque elements — with the transformation from one aspect to another providing a change of scenery in real time.

Inspired by a visit to a working windmill in central England, Zephyr (which means a gentle breeze from Zephyrus, the Greek god of the west wind) tells the story of Nigel, mill owner and operator, and his complicated relationship with wind, the natural resource that powers his flour mill. His reliance on wind is tested and, in turn, he is lured by fuel as his primary energy source in the name of progress. His choices cause elation and disruption, aptly represented by the community the mill serves as dynamic and lyrical circus acts. Nigel grapples with tough choices and unintended outcomes with humor and optimism, which lead to acceptance, coexistence, and balance with wind, progress, and his community.

About Cirque Mechanics

Cirque Mechanics, which calls Las Vegas home, was founded in 2004 by Boston native and German wheel artist Chris Lashua after the success of his collaborative project with the Circus Center of San Francisco, Birdhouse Factory. Cirque Mechanics quickly established itself as a premier American circus, with its unique approach to performance, inspiring storytelling, and innovative mechanical staging.

Cirque Mechanics, although inspired by modern circus, finds its roots in the mechanical and its heart in the stories of American ingenuity. The shows, rooted in realism, display a raw quality rarely found in modern circus that makes their message timeless and relevant. The stories are wrapped in circus acrobatics, mechanical wonders, and a bit of clowning around.

The troupe has created a series of extraordinary touring theatrical productions, Birdhouse Factory, Boom Towm, Pedal Punk, the Orchestra Project, 42ft: A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels, and, for this season, Zephyr: A Whirlwind of Circus.

This performance is supported in part by gifts from Clem and Georgia Carter and Mrs. Candi M. Kelly and Dr. J. Michael Kelly.

Cirque Mechanics previously performed at the Moss Arts Center in 2015 and 2022.