International Lover, Troy Lingelbach’s debut solo show, is the tale of an artist in pursuit of a dream. It is a boldly vulnerable expose into the life of one of NYC's most recognizable cabaret acts. Seeking to answer the repeated phrase "Am I qualified?" the artist confronts tensions of their mind, body, and spirit through trapeze work, dance, and performance art, reckoning with identity, relationships, addiction, and injury. Embracing their fullest self, they become the "International Lover" (Prince, 1999).
International Lover was first developed at the Hupstate Circus Artist Residency in April, 2024. In August 2025, the project went back to Ithaca for a dramaturgical residency under the guidance of Brin Schoellkopf of People Watching Collective thanks to the support of Hupstate Circus, NYS Dance Force, and The Cherry Arts.
It debuted at the Hupstate Circus Festival in Ithaca, NY in August, 2024, and in March 2025 it made its NYC premier at House of Yes to a sold out audience of over 170 guests.
This year, International Lover has traveled to Casa Chango (Puerto Escondido, MX), the inaugural Philadelphia Contemporary Circus Festival, the June Dance Festival - Crossovers (Ithaca, NY), and will be part of the Festival Internacionál de Círco Actual (CDMX) in October.
For bookings, please inquire here.
The photos below were taken by Luis Suarez and Eduardo Olvera.
