Zephyr – A Whirlwind of Circus to be performed at UNLV

Photo courtesy of Cirque Mechanics

Cirque Mechanics Launches Tour of New Production at Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall on Sept. 24

The UNLV Performing Arts Center (UNLV PAC) will welcome Las Vegas’ own Cirque Mechanics as they present Zephyr—A Whirlwind of Circus at the Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24 as a part of its 46th season. Zephyr—A Whirlwind of Circus is the company’s newest production and is being launched exclusively in partnership with the UNLV PAC. The show is an emotive and exhilarating tale about our choices for our planet and its resources, featuring a performance windmill as the multi-functional mechanical centerpiece of the story. Witness the unrelenting tug-of-war between man and nature in the name of progress as the artists harness human power, instead of wind, to generate an awe-inspiring, energetic acrobatic experience. Each time Cirque Mechanics takes the UNLV PAC stage, audiences are thrilled and amazed by the matchless skill and innovation of its creators, acrobats and groundbreaking storylines framed by remarkable machines and devices.

In Zephyr—A Whirlwind of Circus, performers will fly, balance, float on air, and defy gravity in an exhilarating circus, taking audiences on a journey with the beauty and efficacy of that timeless and ingenious process inspired by the creative team at Cirque Mechanics’ latest theatrical circus show for all ages. Traditional circus acts from contortion to hoop diving, hair hang to foot juggling, will be presented with modern and distinctive whimsy and theatricality.

Cirque Mechanics was founded in 2004 by Las Vegas residents Chris and Aida Lashua, after the success of their collaborative project with the Circus Center of San Francisco, Birdhouse Factory. Cirque Mechanics quickly established itself as a premier American circus, with its unique approach to performance, inspiring storytelling, and innovative mechanical staging. Stories are wrapped in circus acrobatics, mechanical wonders, and a bit of clowning around. Learn more at cirquemechanics.com.

The UNLV Performing Arts Center is the original home for the arts in Southern Nevada; it opened in 1976 and celebrates its 46th season in 2022-2023. It hosts a variety of performances and events and is home to self-produced events plus productions of the Nevada Conservatory Theatre, UNLV School of Music, UNLV Dance, and the Las Vegas Men’s Chorus, among many other community arts presenters. The UNLV PAC also hosts various Clark County School District fine arts festivals and concerts. Visit pac.unlv.edu.

Thanks to the partnership between these two community arts organizations, the UNLV PAC is offering a free student matinee to 1,500 Las Vegas area students at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 23. Additionally, Cirque Mechanics and the UNLV PAC are planning learning opportunities in partnership with the UNLV departments of dance, theatre, and the entertainment engineering and design program. Single tickets are available as well as PAC Only Packages for the 46th season may also be purchased by telephone at 702-895-ARTS (2787), online at pac.unlv.edu or at the PAC box office from noon to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. When purchasing a ticket or subscription package, consider making a donation to the Performing Arts Center to provide local students the opportunity to work with all the outstanding artists.