Lucy Eden. Photo by Barrett Doyle.
“Circus of the Self: A Show About Queer Joy, Juggling & Identity” is a solo juggling show created by Lucy Eden who is a multi-hyphenate talent. She juggles, performs, and does amazing crowd work. The show explores the trans identity, the balance between joy and sorrow, how juggling served as a form of expression for Lucy throughout her life, and the many lessons it taught her along the way.
…effortlessly charismatic...moving, funny, and edge-of-your seat—all at the same time.
Lucy Eden or “Lucy Juggles” is effortlessly charismatic in a challenging performance which features many feats of physical ingenuity as well as emotionally heavy topics. Her Southern charm is evident as are her street performance roots in her crowd work abilities. The show involves audience participation and Lucy handles every wrench the audience throws at her with grace, aplomb, and a fair bit of humor. The show explores the nuances of juggling as a craft, as well as Lucy’s (and many trans folks) fear and sorrow during this tumultuous time. Lucy presents joy in craft and the body as an antidote for this sorrow, while simultaneously acknowledging that it is impossible to experience highs without lows. A highlight of the show is her seven-foot unicycle which required two people to help her get onto. An audience member cautiously throwing her knives as she balanced atop the unicycle was both nerve-wracking and profoundly entertaining. Lucy captures trans joy in its many intricacies during her performance, which is moving, funny, and edge-of-your-seat—all at the same time.
Elizabeth Dinkova did an excellent job directing this show. While the stage presented a limited space, the bounds of Lucy’s performance felt limitless. The subtle sound cues, created by Sound Designer Navi, were perfect for placing the audience in the world of the show. Lighting Designer Sage Green created a captivating visual space, in which almost luminescent juggling balls flew through the air and light represented the haunting truth at the center of the show—that joy and sorrow are irrevocably intertwined.
“Circus of the Self” is guaranteed to make audiences laugh, think, and possibly cry. Lucy Juggles will guide the audience through it all, with self-effacing charm, a mega-watt smile, and lots and lots of juggling.
Running Time: Approximately one hour and 15 minutes with no intermission.
Advisory: Contains frank discussions of transphobia and mental health; very brief moment of upper body nudity.
“Circus of the Self: A Show About Queer Joy, Juggling & Identity” runs through June 6, 2025 at Spooky Action Theater, 1810 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009. For more information and to purchase tickets, please go online.
