Circus Scorpius proudly presents

Désolé

Written & Directed by Kelsey Aicher

Showcasing performances by Circus Scorpius Senior Company members

Kelsey Aicher, Mallory Gittemeier, Melissa Hoefer, & Sonja Schulz

and Junior Company members

Wyatt Meriwether, Madi Nispel, & Kate Vilain

and Circ.S member

Kate Moore

Featuring guest artists

Carina Gillet & Eliana Perlmutter

With opening act by

Madeline Elaine Farinas de Leon

Made possible by

Lighting & Technical Director: Colin Neukirch

Board Operator: Sam Meyer

Aerial Technicians: Dan Boone, Kyle Francis,
& Neil Likens

Stage Manager: Anna Francis

Assistant Stage Manager: Katie Billups

Stage Hands: Madeline Farinas de Leon,
Neil Holley, & Sarah Shipley

CONTENT WARNING: This show includes themes of depression, emotional isolation, abuse, domestic violence, and references to suicide that may be triggering for some audience members. These themes are explored through movement and metaphor rather than explicit depiction. If you have questions about content, please speak to a crew member before the show.

If at any point you need to leave the show do to distress, please feel free to do so. Do not worry about interrupting the scene on stage; your wellbeing is more important.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233 or text “BEGIN” to 88788

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988

PLAYBILL

PART I: Séparé

Beauregard loves nothing more than the spotlight that he experiences while traveling as a vaudvillian circus strongman. He feels more alive alone on stage than at home with family.

Performance & Choreography: Wyatt Meriwether
Music: “Exebecce” by Ez3kiel, “Nos Nos” by Balmorhea

Margaret is enjoying a night out with longtime friends, Elizabeth and Talia, when she meets the domineering Nick. Despite warnings from her confidants, Margaret dives headfirst into a relationship with someone she hardly knows.

Performance: Mallory Gittemeier, Melissa Hoefer, Sonja Schulz, & Madi Nispel
Choreography: Sonja Schulz and Madi Nispel
Music: “Soaring” by Emil Brandqvist, “Jules” by Dead Hand

Louis has been struggling with depression for quite some time. Their partner, Sierra, tries her best to show love and respect, but Louis’s inner struggles push her away, causing rifts in their relationship.

Performance & Choreography: Carina Gillet & Eliana Perlmutter
Music: “Still / Sound (Sunrise Session)” by Ólafur Arnalds, “Demise of a Nation” by Secession Studios

PART II: Isolé

Beauregard returns home after months on the road. His daughter, Celia, is delighted to have him home while his wife, Alice, is annoyed that her husband is more interested in landing his next gig than spending time with his family. When Beauregard leaves for this next show, Alice and Celia cope with a life without him.

Performance & Choreography: Wyatt Meriwether, Kate Moore, & Kate Vilain
Music: “Behind the World” by Balmorhea, “Movement, Before All Flowers” by Max Richter

Margaret has engrossed herself in her relationship with Nick. His manipulative ways keep her isolated from her friends and she has become completely dependent on him, making it feel impossible for Margaret to leave.

Performance & Choreography: Melissa Hoefer & Madi Nispel
Music: “Racing Against the Sunset” by Philip Wesley, “March 3rd” by Dead Hand

Louis reaches their lowest point while Sierra is away as they give into the temptation of suicide, but Louis’s Spirit may not be ready to go.

Performance & Choreography: Carina Gillet and Kelsey Aicher
Music: “Dawn of Faith” by Eternal Eclipse, “In The Sound Of Breathing” by SAGES, Ólafur Arnalds, & Loreen

PART III: Désolé

Beauregard is back on the road performing, but he can’t help but be distracted by thoughts of Celia and all of the milestones he might miss being away from his family.

Performance & Choreography: Wyatt Meriwether & Kate Moore
Music: “Insomnies” by Ez3kiel

Margaret figures out who she is without Nick in her life. She reflects on which relationships have been most positive in her life and sets out to make amends with Elizabeth and Talia.

Performance: Mallory Gittemeier, Melissa Hoefer, & Sonja Schulz
Choreography: Melissa Hoefer and Sonja Schulz
Music: “Lilac” by Emil Brandqvist, “Everyone’s Memory Is Snow” by Phildel, “Dragonfly Keeper” by Phildel

Sierra waits for Louis to regain consciousness at the hospital. Although Louis apologizes for their behavior and acknowledges the harm they caused, Sierra decides to do what is best for herself.

Performance & Choreography: Carina Gillet & Eliana Perlmutter
Music: “All Is One and One Is All” by Secession Studios & Greg Dombrowski, “True Love’s Last Kiss” by Eternal Eclipse

Special Thanks

Jeremy Copling
Britt Frank
Abbey Gripka
Jessica Harvey
Lindsay Hays
Jackie & Jim Hislop
Matthew Loeb
Jill & Scott Moore
Dee Anna & Susan Rendall
Lauren Schrader
Scarlett Spaulding
Great Plains Circus Center
Skyloft Center for Movement
Union Station KC

Désolé was personally funded by the director. All artists were paid for their work. Making productions like this one is a huge financial commitment. If you enjoyed the show and wish to see more work from Circus Scorpius in the future, please consider making a donation to support the art. Donations can be made via Venmo (@circusscorpius) or Square. Thank you for your kindness!