MOM* shines a light on the inner thoughts that we have as potential mothers, stepmothers, bio-moms, and children of mothers. What did we expect things to feel like, and how do they actually feel? Shir Livne shares her truths in this tour de force solo performance, presenting her absurdist take on motherhood through circus, storytelling, and pages upon pages of fiery teenage journals. Shir is a Boston, MA based artist who specializes in aerial rope, tightwire, and clown. MOM* premiered in 2024, and was directed by Greg Jukes.
Read below for praise for MOM*
“A literal tight wire balance of vulnerability and humor. This beautifully laid out show released the tightened intersection of missing my mom and grieving unrequited motherhood.“ – Jenna Struble
“Shir’s unique style of performance is simultaneously warm and vulnerable, while also being slightly (and delightfully) deranged. Watching MOM* is like being in an intimate conversation with your best friend in her living room, if her living room were also a carnival funhouse full of teen angst and too many plastic baby dolls.” – Johnny Blazes
“I felt so seen. I cried, laughed, and just felt all the emotions. It was such a real and raw take on motherhood, step-parenting, and what it’s like to be someone’s kid. Shir’s mix of humor and honesty really hit home for me, especially as a mom. It was amazing, and I left feeling so validated.” – Catherine LeComte Lecce
“Really, really dug it, the multiple levels of the set, how you incorporated your aerial artistry, the variety of ways you engaged the audience and the honesty and fullness of the story all made for a wonderful experience. And gave me a perspective I had never thought about (the mothering of a non biological child when they still have a relationship with their biological mother).” – Daniel Callahan
SUNDAY, JUNE 1, 6:30PM
Circus Tent in Cooper Poynt’s Park,
801-811 Delaware Ave,
Camden, NJ 08102
TICKETS
GA $30
Limited tickets for this show are “Sliding Scale”, or Pay What You Can, which means you are able to pick your price. If you are able to pay the suggested price, that will help to subsidize somebody else’s ticket in need, but seating is General Admission and is not determined by the amount you choose to pay.
Recommended for ages 14+
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Shir (she/her) is a circus artist and poet who creates strong, evocative, unforgettable pieces. She trained in the New England Center for Circus Arts’ ProTrack Program (2020-2022), where she specialized in aerial rope and tightwire, and Esh Circus Arts’ Professional Prep. Program (2018-2020). She has additionally trained with Shannan Calcutt (clown), Molly Graves (aerial rope), Ariele Ebacher (tightwire), Joel Malkoff (tightwire), and Veera Kaijanen (tightwire). Her performances include a collaboration with accordionist Camille Charlier in Circus 617’s Circus Mixtape vol. 2, as well as numerous appearances at local circus cabaret nights.
She is also a circus instructor in Boston at Commonwealth Circus Center and Esh Circus Arts, and a bookings manager for the Boston Circus Guild. She was the recipient of the Massachusetts Creative Individuals Grant in 2023, and the Somerville Local Cultural Council Grant in 2024 and 2025.
MOM* is Shir’s first solo show. It premiered in Somerville, MA in 2024 with an overwhelmingly positive response, and has toured in Philadelphia, PA. Her work in this show will be featured in Rivka Eckert’s upcoming book about mother/artist performance practices and inclusivity.
Before becoming a circus performer, Shir worked as a robotics engineer for companies such as Amazon Robotics and Berkshire Grey. She brings her technical acumen and ingenuity to circus, bringing the ideas in her head to life, and often asking the question “what if?”. She is known for her balance of comedy and drama, and is a strong emerging artist in the theatrical circus space, forging pieces that combine theatrical monologue with comedy and circus.
See More Circus!
The Philadelphia Contemporary Circus Festival (PCCF) runs May 23 - June 1, 2025, featuring artists from Philly's vibrant contemporary circus community as well as ground-breaking artists from across the nation and beyond. These contemporary circus artists defy limitations, reimagine what’s possible, and create breathtaking moments of connection for audiences of all ages. Don't miss thrilling shows that blend acrobatics, dance, theater, and storytelling to push the boundaries of performance.
SUPPORT
The Philadelphia Contemporary Circus Festival is supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.
