“Spectacular. This piece evoked gasps, tears, understanding, and joy - a work of art, unlike anything I have seen before.”
an artist in pursuit of a dream
a collection of journal entries brought to life through circus
a tale of radical queer self acceptance
International Lover is an autobiographical solo show by Troy Lingelbach. Through trapeze, dance, and performance art, Troy explores how a person can lose track of and learn to embrace themself while chasing a dream.
Seeking to answer the repeated phrase “Am I qualified?” - this vulnerable meta contemplation exposes the conflict of the artist’s mind, body, and spirit, reckoning with gender, identity, relationships, addiction, and injury.
Awakening to their true self, their sexuality, and their power as a person, Troy becomes the “International Lover” (Prince, 1999).
This project is supported by Hupstate Circus, The Cherry Arts Space, and NYS Dance Force (a division of the NY State Council on the Arts).
International Lover was first developed at the Hupstate Circus Artist Residency in April, 2024.
In August 2025, the project went through a dramaturgical residency with Brin Schoellkopf from People Watching.
International Lover has performed at the Festival Internacionál de Círco Actual (CDMX), Hupstate Circus Festival, the inaugural Philadelphia Contemporary Circus Festival, the June Dance Festival - Crossovers (Ithaca, NY), Cherry Arts Space (Ithaca, NY) as part of their 2026 winter season, and twice at the iconic House of Yes in Brooklyn, NY to sold out crowds.
For bookings, please inquire here.
The photos used on this page were taken by Cole Witter, Luis Suarez, Eduardo Olvera, and Luis Fonesca.
