About

Cause & Effect Circus was founded in 2013 by Chris Murdoch and Yuki Ueda with a vision to merge contemporary juggling techniques and theatrical storytelling, exploring social and economic themes. Our goal is to create a unique Canadian circus identity and redefine the audience’s understanding of juggling as an art form. Through innovative group choreographies, research-based techniques, and collaborations with other disciplines, we aim to inspire audiences and elevate the technical and narrative potential of circus arts.

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Our debut production, The New Conformity, premiered at the Victoria Fringe Festival in 2014 and received the prestigious Pick of the Fringe Award. This four-person narrative circus explored themes of societal conformity and individuality, earning praise from critics like the Times Colonist Victoria, who called it “clever and compelling.” Its success led to performances at TEDx Victoria, sold-out shows at Vancouver Circus Fest, and a residency at Presentation House Theatre in North Vancouver. We also presented the show at major theatre festivals in Montreal, Edmonton, and Vancouver, where we received the Joanna Maratta Award for growth potential.

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In 2016, we expanded our international presence by performing at the Tini Tinou Circus Festival in Cambodia and presenting at the Formula One Grand Prix in Singapore. That same year, we collaborated with Pepper’s Ghost New Media & Performing Arts Collective to create Press Play, a groundbreaking live motion capture juggling show. This innovative piece used digital puppetry to tell the story of children’s imaginations, blending technology with circus in a way that had never been seen before. The performance was praised for its magical integration of motion capture technology and physical juggling.

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In addition to our artistic endeavors, Cause & Effect Circus plays a key role in fostering the local circus community. We produced I Heart Circus Cabaret in 2014 and 2015, a show commissioned by Circuswest with a mandate to bridge the gap between circus companies and schools in Vancouver. These sold-out performances provided a platform for emerging local talent and strengthened the sense of community among Vancouver’s circus artists. Most recently, in 2023, we produced Recess: Time to Play, a community event designed to reconnect artists after the pandemic, offering a safe space for collaboration and showcasing the skills of up-and-coming circus performers.

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Cause & Effect Circus continues to push the boundaries of contemporary circus arts by blending innovation, storytelling, and community engagement. From our award-winning narrative productions to our leadership in creating opportunities for local artists, we remain dedicated to exploring new possibilities in circus and providing transformative experiences for our audiences. Our journey from local stages to international festivals reflects our commitment to pushing the art of juggling forward and redefining its place in both circus and theatre.