LIDIJA ŠOLA
Lidija Šola is a Croatian contemporary circus artist and theater maker based in Ireland. She has a Master of Arts (M.A.) Sociology and Philosophy, University of Zagreb and has toured internationally, captivating audiences with her unique blend of contemporary circus, physical theater, and visual art. Her work is characterized by its originality, creativity, and thought-provoking themes
As co-founder of the experimental circus collective Tricycle Trauma, she continually pushes the boundaries of contemporary circus, exploring its limits and possibilities.
She is now in the researching process for her new show, "Right Lung Left," which has been awarded an Arts Council Circus Bursary. Lidija's second collaboration with writer Sadhbh Moriarty, this play is a semi-autobiographical dark comedy exploring Lidija's journey around the loss of her left lung as a teen.
This play is envisioned as a combination of contemporary circus disciplines - group acrobatics, stage magic, theatrical clown, bouffon and absurd theatre.
Projects
(Un)Holy Blood
'(Un)Holy Blood' is a powerful and thought-provoking performance that blends contemporary circus, theatre, dance, and visual art to explore the complexities of organized religion and challenge traditional notions of feminism. Inspired by Alejandro Jodorowsky's surreal film "Santa Sangre," this captivating show features a compelling narrative and stunning visuals. It premiered in St. Luke’s, Cork in May 2023.
Credits:
(Un)Holy Blood was supported by the Arts Council of Ireland, Cork City Council and Circus Factory.
Practical Information
Now and Then
"Now and Then" is a circus show and the story of an unlikely friendship between a social-media-obsessed-aerial-instamodel Pookie, played by Lidija Šola, and a no-nonsense, hardy older lady, Nancy, played by Noelle Ní Riagáin. Featuring an eight metre freestanding aerial rig, the show reveals the clash of cultures between generations and the hilarity of their world’s colliding through physical comedy, aerial acrobatics and its heartwarming story.
Winner of the NEST Four Nations exchange programme, 'Now and Then' is confirmed for performances at festivals in Ireland, Wales, England, and Scotland in 2025.
Credits:
TBC
Practical Information
Photos 6 & 7 taken at Creative Places Tipperary
Godless Utopia
Godless Utopia is a 15 min contemporary circus and visual performance by Lidija Šola and Neil Feely.
Fusing contemporary circus trapeze with intensive A/V, Godless Utopia imprints itself on an audience's psyche. A tsunami of the senses is unleashed through opulent physical rituals with pinpoint artificial systems.
Present digital cultures and religious regimes are placed in the spotlight through the lenses of Patrick Kavangh's Epic:
Till Homer’s ghost came whispering to my mind.
He said: I made the Iliad from such
A local row. Gods make their own importance.