Circus artist Shana Carroll’s new production, “The Attic: Things I’ve Seen While Lying On My Back,” premiered as the opening show of the season at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre and marks the beginning of an international tour for her physical theater company, The 7 Fingers. The performance, which runs through October 4, offers an introspective exploration of Carroll's life and career through a blend of circus arts and theatrical storytelling.
At the heart of the show is Carroll’s reflection on her journey, which begins with a fall from a trapeze and extends into vivid recollections of her childhood bedroom, her decision to join the circus, and contemplations on themes such as love, childbirth, and mortality. The production features a company of 11 international circus performers skilled in aerial silks, trapeze, acrobatics, juggling, and stilt walking. These artists not only bring Carroll's inner experiences to life but also establish themselves as distinct, dynamic characters throughout the performance.
“The Attic” challenges traditional circus norms and the legacy of large-scale productions like Cirque du Soleil, where performers are often viewed as components of a broader artistic concept directed from above. Carroll’s work critiques these structures by emphasizing the humanity and individuality of circus artists, presenting them as complete people with emotional depth, ambitions, and vulnerabilities. A notable segment of the show revisits early Cirque du Soleil performances, simultaneously honoring their innovation and addressing the dehumanizing elements of such large productions.
Composer Colin Gagné’s original score underscores the physical narratives on stage, using music to both enhance and complicate the audience’s experience of movement and emotion. Carroll’s choreography, informed by her background in contemporary dance, delves into personal themes including early memories, teenage struggles, impending motherhood, and the uncertainty of the future.
Central to the show is Carroll’s meditation on the feeling of yearning that performers often experience—a longing for connection, success, and audience approval while navigating the precariousness of their art. The production invites viewers to consider whether this yearning is inherently healthy or shaped by external pressures, posing broader questions about fulfillment and identity in demanding careers.
The production at Goodman Theatre has been noted for its technical precision and seamless execution, benefiting from the collaboration of a skilled creative team, including designers Ana Cappelluto, Marie Chantale Vaillancourt, Alexander Nichols, and Johnny Ranger. The show’s appeal extends beyond circus enthusiasts, offering resonance for anyone grappling with change, uncertainty, or personal transformation.
Tickets for “The Attic: Things I’ve Seen While Lying On My Back” are available at the Goodman Theatre box office and online, with performances continuing through October 4. The show runs approximately two hours.