Step inside the world of East of the Sun West of the Moon. This is where Hollo Circus reveals the artistry, training, design, and imagination behind our flagship production — a cinematic aerial‑theatre experience created to stand apart from traditional community shows. Explore the work, the people, and the magic that bring this story to life.
East of the Sun West of the Moon is built as a true aerial‑theatre production — not a showcase of skills, not a community recital, and not a collection of unrelated acts. Every aerial sequence is choreographed to serve the story, the characters, and the emotional arc. This is narrative told through flight.
The entire show is underscored by a custom, original score composed by Kat Kendrick specifically for this production. The music is designed to carry tension, atmosphere, and emotion, creating a cinematic experience that surrounds the audience from the first moment to the last. Blending cinematic melody with sounds of nature and custom special‑effect foley, the score builds a powerful atmospheric presence. It is elevated through high‑end engineering and mastering from Electric Alchemy Recording Studios, creating a rich, immersive landscape that deepens every moment on stage.
Silhouettes, shadows, projectors, and atmospheric lighting transform the stage into a mythic world inspired by Nordic folklore. The visual design is built to pull audiences into the story — not just to watch it, but to enter it.
Staged at Market Hall, a space that lets us shape the show's world with theatrical lighting, sound, and atmosphere. The venue’s technical capabilities support our immersive storytelling — helping us create silhouettes, portals, and cinematic moments that define the production’s visual identity.
Every performer brings depth, clarity, and intention to their role. Hilde, the Bear King, the Troll Queen, and the Storyteller each have unique movement languages, silhouettes, and emotional arcs that shape the world of the show, supported by Elders, Winds, and Servants who bring the mythic landscape to life.
Costumes are crafted to support character, movement, and silhouette. From the Troll Queen’s eerie presence to the Bear King’s fur and armour, each design reinforces the story and the world.
Light is used as a storytelling tool — revealing, concealing, shaping mood, and creating magic. The lighting design blends theatre, dance, and film aesthetics to create moments that feel otherworldly. Projection, shadow work, and atmospheric effects build a visual world that feels dreamlike and immersive, pulling the audience deeper into the story.
This is Hollo Circus’s flagship show — created with ambition, detail, and care. Every element, from movement to music to design, is crafted to build a cohesive world and a premium, immersive experience. East of the Sun West of the Moon is designed to stand apart, offering audiences a theatrical journey shaped by artistry, intention, and imagination.
Step inside our rehearsal room and watch the world of East of the Sun West of the Moon take shape. From aerial sequences to character work to silhouette choreography, these glimpses reveal the discipline, creativity, and collaboration behind every moment on stage. This is where performers refine movement languages, build emotional arcs, and bring the mythic world to life long before opening night.
Our aerial performers train for months to merge storytelling with flight. Every lift, drop, and transition is crafted to serve the narrative — building tension, emotion, and atmosphere through movement.
Hilde, the Bear King, the Troll Queen, and the Storyteller begin their journeys here. Rehearsals explore intention, silhouette, and emotional clarity, supported by Elders, Winds, and Servants who shape the world around them.
Shadow play, portals, and projection sequences are refined in studio before they ever reach the stage. These elements create the show’s dreamlike visual identity.
Rehearsals often include early versions of the original score, allowing performers to sync movement with the emotional tone of each scene — building the immersive world piece by piece.
Amy is thrilled to be a part of Hollo Circus' inaugural performance. Born in Toronto, she studied ballet and modern dance from childhood, including at a performing arts high school. While her career path took her towards environmental conservation, she continued to dance professionally and teach as well. She began her circus journey in university, and performs regularly in Peterborough. While not pursuing her creative passions, you can find her hiking with her dog, canoeing the river, or reading a book on her front porch.
Thomas Vaccaro is the founder and Artistic Director of the Peterborough Academy of Circus Arts. A graduate of the National Circus School in Montreal, he is trained to coach seventeen circus disciplines and brings extensive expertise to both teaching and performance. When he isn’t coaching, Tom performs in local and touring circus productions. His specialties include Cyr Wheel, aerial acrobatics, and the study and practice of movement in all its forms.
Experience a Toronto‑level aerial‑theatre production — right here in Peterborough, without the long travel, hotel stays, or big‑city expenses. Choose from Standard, VIP, or Community ticket options, and elevate your night with an optional dinner add‑on through our partners at Curry Mantra.
Reserve your seats for East of the Sun West of the Moon and step into a world of immersive storytelling, aerial performance, and original cinematic music.
Each night provides a distinct experience:
- On Friday and Saturday, there is an optional dinner add-on available through our partners at Curry Mantra.
- Saturday features a silent auction to support future Hollo Circus productions.
- Sunday's matinee features an accessible performance with reduced sound levels and house lights kept on dimly.
