THE TIRE SWING, A CIRCUS OPERA
New Philadelphia-based performance company, The Circus Opera Company is bringing opera to new heights with the return of their 5 STAR FRINGIE AWARD-winning piece, The Tire Swing. Described as “an amazing introduction to a completely new genre of performance,” the piece synthesizes new classical music with dynamic circus arts.
It depicts a woman returning to the overgrown backyard of her childhood home, where she is greeted by her 8-year-old self. Together, on the last night of summer, the woman and girl share an adventure, and the woman reconnects with the child-like joy she thought was lost. Ultimately, The Tire Swing is an exploration of aging, memory, play, and encourages us to rekindle our child-like joy, while still embracing our adult selves. This one-act circus opera is composed by Steven Crino, with libretto by Laurel Andersen, and features Casie Girvin as “Girl” and Nicole Renna as “Woman.” Before the performance begins, the audience is asked to write a note to their eight-year-old selves on a paper leaf. They then tape the leaves to the ladders on set to create the trees in the backyard. The singers perform acrobatics and sing on the aerial Lyra “the tire swing” throughout the show.
I PAINT DREAMS
I Paint Dreams is a captivating contemporary circus piece where art, history, and healing collide. As the daughter of Ignatius Ndubuisi Onyejiaka, a survivor of the Nigeria Civil War, Chi Akano explores the intergenerational effect of violence. She brings a deeply personal perspective, using pole and trapeze to investigate her cultural identity. She combines her father’s firsthand account with elements of spoken word, allowing her to express the embodied nature of trauma. The Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), also known as the Biafran War, was a brutal conflict fought between the government of Nigeria and the secessionist state of Biafra, primarily led by the Igbo ethnic group. Over the course of three years, millions of lives were lost. For many Nigerians, particularly the Igbo people, the war left deep scars that reverberate through generations. Chi uses her body to bring these painful stories to life. Each flip, each twist, is a testament to the strength of Black communities throughout the diaspora—resilient, unbroken, and forever hopeful. Visual projections create an immersive and deeply symbolic atmosphere, connecting the Biafran conflict to the present-day fight for Black freedom and self-determination. Traditional Igbo instruments such as the Oja (flute) and the Ogene (gong) underscore the show, creating a rich cultural soundscape. I Paint Dreams is more than a circus show; it is a powerful call for a future where Black bodies can occupy space as autonomous agents, free to shape their own destinies. This performance invites you to reflect, to heal, and to stand in solidarity with Biafra and with Black communities worldwide in their pursuit of peace and liberation.
PERFORMANCES
Saturday, May 24, 6 PM
Sunday, May 25, 7:30 PM
Christ Church Neighborhood House
20 N. American St,
Philadelphia, PA 19106
TICKETS
GA $25
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 7+
ABOUT THE ARTIST
THE TIRE SWING, A CIRCUS OPERA
The Circus Opera Company (Coco) is a Philadelphia-based organization that explores the synthesis of circus and classical music. COco is interested in growing a repertoire of circus opera and circus classical music through collaboration with interdisciplinary artists and organizations. They enable projects that expand the boundaries of what constitutes an operatic stage, by creating site-specific pieces that utilize non-traditional spaces. By moving this medium into non-traditional spaces, we strive to make opera and circus more accessible, and engage new audiences that would not typically attend opera or circus performances. We create educational workshops that teach future generations how to synthesize movement and music. COco’s first circus opera, THE TIRE SWING recently won the Five Star Fringie Award for the top-rated show in the 2024 Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Other recent projects include an Acro Piano Duet, premiered at the Kimmel Center as part of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s Orchestra After Five pre-concert series, VELVET SHOES, at the 2024 Hand to Hand Festival at FringeArts. Their piece THROUGH HOOPS (for soprano on Lyra and piano) was featured in Watermelon Bathtub’s BODIES, and won a Fringie Award at the 2023 Philadelphia Fringe Festival in the Circus category.
Casie Girvin (Artistic Director and “Girl”) is an interdisciplinary storyteller, singer, actor, acrobat, and devisor. She has performed with companies such as the Arden Theatre Company, Capital Repertory Theatre, MoA, Rough and Tumble Productions, the Philadelphia Orchestra, Albany Pro Musica, Maples Repertory Theatre, to list a few. Her favorite roles include “Charlotte” in CHARLOTTE’S WEB, “John Webster” in SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, “Despina” in COSÌ FAN TUTTE, and “Edith” in SIX AUTUMNS ON THE HUDSON. Casie grew up as a competitive gymnast, and pivoted to circus arts in 2022 after training at The Actors Gymnasium Circus School. She has also worked as a stunt actor and stunt choreographer for projects on stage and screen, including The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and National Comcast commercials. Casie has a private voice studio, and coaches gymnastics and circus arts. She has a B.M. in Classical Vocal Performance from Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance. www.casiegirvin.com @casiegirvin
Nicole Renna (“Woman”) is a singer, director, writer, voice teacher, and creative producer working in Philadelphia. She has extensive experience performing in musical theater, cabaret, and opera. Favorite roles include Amalia in SHE LOVES ME and Miss Dorothy in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. She debuted her solo cabaret RENNAISSANCE last summer at the Perch Music and Arts Workshop and serves as a creative consultant to actors seeking to create their first solo works. Nicole is the Producing Artistic Director of ENAensemble, staging performances of their Serial Opera Project and mentoring singers, composers, and librettists who work with the ensemble. She teaches the Musical Theatre Vocal Workshop at the Walnut Street Theatre and private voice lessons to beginners and pros alike! She holds a M.M. in Voice Performance from Temple University and a B.M. in Music Education from Rutgers University. For more info visit nicolerenna.net
Steven Crino (Music Director, Composer, Pianist) is a composer and pianist that seeks to tell relevant stories through emotionally rich and intimate music. His music has been described as “stunningly beautiful, heartfelt, lush, and delicate.” He has written two award-winning operas, countless songs, choral music, chamber music and orchestral music. Steven actively seeks out collaboration with living writers and interdisciplinary artists. In addition to the numerous soloists who have commissioned Steven’s music, his works have been premiered by The Podcast Opera Company, The Boston New Music Initiative, and The Silk Ruby Trio. He is the winner of The Aural Compass Projects’ Emerging Composer Competition, and the 3rd place winner in the 2021 American Prize. He is also the recipient of the Richard M. Duris Scholarship for Excellence in Classical Music. Steven is an adjunct faculty member at Temple University, where he teaches courses in Music Theory, Music History and Counterpoint. He received his Doctoral Degree from the Peabody Institute, where he also completed degrees in Composition (M.M.) and Theory Pedagogy (M.M.). Steven includes among his mentors Michael Hersch, Kevin Puts, Omar Thomas, and Benjamin C.S. Boyle. www.stevencrino.com @stevecrino
I PAINT DREAMS
Chi Akano is a circus artist, yoga instructor, and personal trainer whose love for movement knows no bounds. With a background in pole, trapeze, and partner acrobatics, Chi uses her body as a powerful tool to tell stories that are often forgotten or silenced. As a first-year Master of Social Work (MSW) student, Chi’s passion for mental health and well-being—especially within Black communities—shapes much of her work. Many of her performances center on themes of African and African American culture, embodying elements of history, philosophy, and tradition. Through movement, Chi explores the rich narratives of the African diaspora, bridging the gap between cultural history and contemporary experiences. Her work seeks to honor and elevate Black voices, while promoting healing, self-expression, and empowerment within marginalized communities. For more information visit www.thebodypoem.com or check out @theebodypoet
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.
