International Lover
an artist in pursuit of a dream
a collection of journal entries brought to life through circus
a story of radical queer self acceptance
Created and Performed by Troy Lingelbach
Dramaturgy and Audio Engineering by Brin Schoellkopf
Lighting by Sara Gosses
Rigging by Joshua Letton
Light and Sound Operation by Finn Ugine
Additional Dramaturgy by Madeline Hoak and Samuel Buggeln
Rigging Support by Zane Defiant
“Butterflies and Zebras and Moon Beams, that’s all she ever thinks about, riding with the wind.” - Jimi Hendrix, “Little Wing”
In this performance,
The Artist……………………………..……….. Troy Lingelbach
The Trapeze…………………………………. What Is
The Suitcase………………………………… What Could Be
The Ties………………….…………………….. Emotional Ties
The Mirrors…………………….…………….. Consciousness
The Foot…………….……………..………….. Discontentment
The Wings……………..……….…………….. The Dream
There will be one 15 minute Intermission.
** Content Warning **
This show involves themes and lyrical reference to body dysmorphia, gender dysphoria, and suicide.
This is an autobiographical piece that brings to life a collection of journal entries written and lived between 2021-2024. It is an attempt to answer the repeated phrase “Am I Qualified?” while following the journey of an artist chasing a dream.
The lyrics will guide you through The Artist’s inner dialogue.
It is an immense joy to return to the Hupstate Circus Festival with the fully realized version of a project I started over two years ago at the Hupstate Circus Artist Residency. You may have seen this work at the 2024 Festival, where it premiered as a work in progress. Infinite gratitude to Amy Cohen and the Hupstate team, Jim Self and NYS Dance Force, and Samuel Buggeln and Cherry Arts for believing in this piece, and supporting it in countless ways to bring it to the version you see today.
The true “dream” referenced in this show is realized in the privilege to work with Josh, Sara, and Finn. Finn, thank you for hearing every cue aligned with a down beat. Sara, thank you for painting a landscape that immerses me in the narrative. Josh, thank you for being the most intuitive scene partner.
Show flier created by Ella Shea, using a photo taken by Stu Polkinghorne and text collaged by Troy Lingelbach