Circus workshop PERPLX supports young artists who want to create a performance in a hall, tent, or other indoor location. During 'VITRINE PERPLX', these creators get their first stage. 'SOIREE PERPLX', which is organized in collaboration with Schouwburg Kortrijk, guarantees an evening of top-notch circus with impressive artists who are further along in their careers. The collaboration with Schouwburg Kortrijk also creates additional performance opportunities for artists in the region. You can discover performances that engage a young audience during Spinrag or see larger works here thanks to broader collaborations. Artistic coordinator of PERPLX, Aukelyn Allary, provides insight into the workings of the circus workshop.

Circus is a very specific genre. What makes that world so fascinating for you?

“Contemporary circus attracted me as a child: my father was one of the driving forces behind Humorologie, which meant I often came into contact with circus artists who stayed at our home for the festival. So I literally grew up with circus (laughs). Later, I worked in Bruges as a program assistant, where I gained the trust and budget to program circus performances. I learned a lot about the craft there. Being the artistic coordinator of PERPLX is a beautiful continuation of that knowledge and experience. My interests actually go beyond circus: I am also fascinated by disciplines such as dance and theater.”

How does PERPLX support young creators at the beginning of their careers and in their development?

“Since 2021, we have been officially one of the four recognized circus workshops in Flanders and the only one in West Flanders. Artists come to us with an idea, never a large project proposal. We then assess whether their profile fits our space, place, and/or expertise. That selection process is always personal and focused on good collaboration.

We support young creators with indoor performances in both theaters and tents. In doing so, we build personal relationships with the artists and provide the right expertise. By truly engaging in conversation with them, we discover how we can help with their next steps. They can also come to us for a lab to experiment without it necessarily leading to a final product. At the same time, we support them with very concrete matters: dramaturgy, a residency space, tips on how to pitch their performance, etc.”

Which creator or performance has been supported in the past and what impact did that have?

“A great example of a longer trajectory is Zinzi Oegema, whom we have been following and supporting since 2008, and who has since created beautiful work. It is always nice to host her, and we are happy that she will premiere her performance 'MAT' in January at an unusual location.

We have also supported Collectif Malunés from the beginning. This has led to a nice dynamic and lasting contact. At the end of June, they will come to Marke with their new tent performance: a premiere series of considerable size where the audience is invited into the ring. 

We are often involved in projects from the start and thus see how they evolve. This gives us a unique insight into the creative process, with the final performance as a beautiful conclusion to the journey.”

PERPLX focuses on contemporary circus?

“Indeed, but at the same time, it is difficult to define what that encompasses. Some performances remain very close to pure circus, but I see today that many elements from other art forms are integrated into performances, which makes it very interesting. The idea that circus is only for families still exists, while there are actually many performances for adults. Just like theater, circus can be very accessible, without the requirement of specific cultural background, and then again less accessible. In any case, I recommend everyone to try circus, because there will definitely be something in it that will appeal to you. The variation is endless: from wordless to a lot of text, from dance-like to musical…”