Bike and Circuses event to be held June 8 to 12

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This article was published 08/06/2022 (1579 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

ST. BONIFACE

Green Kids first public theatre show promises to be a wondrous affair.

Bike and Circuses will be held June 8 to 12. Billed as an outdoor theatre spectacular, audiences are invited “to enjoy a circus of wonders in the great outdoors on the bike trails of Whittier Park in St. Boniface,” a news release states.

Green Kids is a live theatre company dedicated to environmental education through performance with a mission to educate children, teachers and families on environmental issues and inspire them to take positive action towards protecting the environment.

Historically focused on education in the classroom, Green Kids has partnered with community organizations, environmental NGOs and local businesses to produce Bike and Circuses and create an interactive outdoor lobby where audiences can learn about topics such as environmental advocacy, active transportation, and composting.

At press time, approximately 15 performers and creators were scheduled to feature in the show, which is described by one key organizer as a mix of art and education. Daina Leitold, Green Kids’ executive director and the co-director of Bike and Circuses along with Brenda McLean, said the event has been in the works for two years.

She said it was inspired by events such as Nuit Blanche that offer a different take on art. The show invites folks to ride, walk, or roll through the circus of wonders to take audiences on a journey through nature while interacting with acrobats, dancers, musicians, puppets, poetry, magic and more.

“We’re excited to get this off the ground. It’s been our pandemic project,” Leitold said, noting the theme of being mobile is at the core of Bike and Circuses, not least because it’s celebrating active transportation.

“We thought it would be a great idea to do an outdoor show, and it’s for all the family. People learn best when they’re moving, and the event is a great way for people to see the different elements of it on their own terms.”

Another significant part of Bike and Circuses is that it’s in keeping with Green Kids’ green mandate, so it will be 100 per cent carbon neutral. This means the production will use eco-friendly materials and transportation, and almost all set, costumes and props will be discarded or second-hand items.

As well, travel will be by foot, bike or transit as much as possible, although Leitold understands that some audience may need to drive to the event depending on where they’re coming from. And with the help of Carbon Credit Capital, organizers will be creating a carbon footprint calculation, making this Winnipeg’s first officially carbon neutral theatre event, Leitold said.

“A big systemic change needs to happen, and individuals can be helpful in this process, as it’s as easy as changing certain habits. We can all do better. We see on the news how important the issue of climate change has become. One of the benefits of using theatre and art like this is that it can be used as a metaphor, offering hope,” she said.

As well as the public performances, Green Kids is also organizing a free K-12 school show that will be held on June 9. All Winnipeg schools are invited to take part. Space is limited.

Go online at www.greenkids.com for more information, including showtimes and ticket details.