Almanac Dance Circus Theatre Infuses Aerial Magic With A Story Of Overcoming Abuse In World Premiere Of XOXO MOONGIRL

"I come from a broken home, where chaos, domestic abuse, and fighting was a daily routine. I firmly believe that stories like this need to be told, and they need to happen now. This is how I'm choosing to use my voice in an era where sexism, bullying, and abuse is rampant. Bad things happen and they don't have to define you. This is for the underdogs, the underheard, and the improbable."

Those are the words of Nicole Burgio, multidisciplinary artist and creator of Almanac Dance Circus Theatre's new production, xoxo moongirl. The autobiographical-inspired circus fantasia, which runs June 26 through 28, 2018 at Christ Church Neighborhood House (20 N. American Street, Philadelphia, PA), incorporates breathtaking aerials and acrobatics to tell the story of a girl in a troubled home and her flight to the moon to escape...and prevail. 

The autobiography of its creator, multidisciplinary artist Nicole Burgio, inspires this one-hour production. During the solo performance, Burgio will share stories from her childhood and draw in audience volunteers to play various parts in the play. As she tells her stories, Burgio will infuse the virtuosic performance languages of aerial circus arts, dance, hand balancing, and a little bit of magic to tell her tale.

"As I watch the news, talk to friends, and listen to the outside world, I am starting to believe it is incredibly important to share my story of abuse," said Burgio. "It is important to talk about growing up in a house where my dad screamed and where my little sister slept with a telephone under her pillow in case she had to call the cops to save us."

xoxo moongirl represents Almanac's goal of amplifying the female voice in theatre, while also bringing awareness to domestic violence and abuse. Burgio, a long-time company collaborator, brought the idea to Almanac as part of a vision to take her isolated experience of abuse and open it unto the larger community. It is Almanac's hope to use the performance model of a solo show, and the design of this one in particular, to demonstrate the strength of the individual.

Not only is she a renowned circus performer, Burgio also holds a Masters Degree in Clinical and Counseling Health Psychology from the Philadelphia School of Osteopathic Medicine, making her the perfect fit to attentively craft an intelligent show that is sensitive to its challenging and traumatic content. Almanac's Co-Founding Artistic Director Ben Grinberg will direct and contribute to the show's book. Production design is by Robin Stamey and Evelyn Langley, two of Almanac's members.

Tickets to xoxo moongirl are currently on sale by visiting thealmanac.us. Performance schedule is below. Tickets are $20, $15 for students and industry. As with all Almanac shows, no one will be turned away should they be unable to pay for the performance.