Space Junkies Interview (www.spacejunkies.net)

Hare Mengele [Hare]: How would you describe Pure Cirkus?
Xavier Frost [Xavier]: Pure Cirkus is the combination of old school traditional circus shows (such as acrobats, aerialists, burlesque, and Freakshows), combined with newer art forms (like suspension/body modification, and fire performance). Our goal is to tell stories by joining theater with circus variety acts. We like pushing people's limits of what they think is possible. We try to be as diverse as we can though. While doing adult themed shows, also we have toned down shows that we do for charities, children shows, and company parties.

Hare: If someone wants to book a show, what do they need to do?
Xavier: They can either go to the website at https://purecirkus.com, and click on the contact button or contact yvette Soler with Infinite Connections (our booking agent) at [email protected]

Hare: How many performers are involved?
Xavier: Currently Pure has over 30 performers, and about 10 technicians, and backstage help.

Hare: Do you have any animal acts?
Xavier: No animals. Unfortunately, you cannot use animals in acts within the Seattle city limits (and it's pretty complicated to have animals in acts), but the real reason is that we find humans are more captivated at seeing other humans perform amazing tricks, than see fifteen elephants standing on each others backs. To witness an ordinary man lift ten pounds of concrete, with his eye sockets, blows people way because the person isn't that different than those in the audience.

Hare: What do you do in the Cirkus?
Xavier: I am the Ring Master, and CEO for the Cirkus. My main job is to work with the Ring Leaders, that run the individual groups, to make sure we create the best show we can. I also deal with all the paperwork, and boring little details that make the whole thing run. When I get a chance I also perform - I stilt walk, do contact fire staff, and juggle. Mostly during shows, I am stage managing and teching for suspension.

Hare: What's the most popular act?
Xavier: That's pretty hard to say as we have such a wide variety of acts and in 40 shows we have never done the exact same show twice, everyone really comes for something different. I would say though that the Piercing/Suspension is one of the more popular pieces, and is what really sets us apart from other circuses as far as acts go. I would say my favorite act are the acrobats, its amazing what they put their bodies through to condition for what they do.

Hare: I've always joked about running off to join the circus. For those who are serious about the idea, how do they go about joining?
Xavier: Well our Cirkus is always taking resumes. I am not sure how other circuses do it, but all you have to be is dedicated, and really willing to work hard to make the circus as successful as it can be. You don't have to know how to walk on glass or stand on your hands, though it would be nice. We have had people that had absolutely no skills, but are now some of our best performers, just because they put in the time and dedication to learn, and perform.

Hare: What is your philosophy on life?
Xavier: Do what makes you happy, but put all your heart and soul into it, and don't let the corporate lifestyle destroy you. Quit your jobs, and join the Cirkus.

Hare: I'm seriously tempted. You're a part of a company called Infinite Connections. What do they do?
Xavier: Infinite Connections is a production/booking/artist management company. Pure Cirkus uses them to book our shows, and produce a lot of our events. I started working with them when I met yvette Soler at one of the shows she booked for us. Pure Cirkus and Infinite Connections have been working on producing a wide variety of performance art shows, with live music, for the past six months. We have had real good success in getting people to come out, and see something new and interesting.

Hare: I noticed a flyer for the Cirko de Mayo show [with Betty X, and a few others]. I wish I could make it.
Xavier: We try to support all the local artists in Seattle. By teaming up with other local acts, who already have a fan-base, we get to show a new crowd something they may have never seen before. We have worked with Point One, The Bad Things, and a ton of local acts. Recently though, we have been trying to pull in bands from other states like Mankind is Obsolete from Los Angeles, California, to get them some play here in Seattle. It's important to create a network of performers to be able to work together, and put on good shows.

Hare: Are there any last words, for this interview?
Xavier: Last words... Well, today someone asked me who our target audience was, and I said, "We are the poor man's circus, the jo-sho's circus; the circus for everyday people who need something to push them out of their shells. We are here to entertain the masses, who have been trapped in the TV generation for the past 10 years. We want anyone, and everyone to come and join the Cirkus for a night, and experience something they wouldn't, sitting in front of their TVs, and computers." We're like the Fight Club of Cirkus. [laughs]

Hare: Excellent. Thanks, Xavier