CHELSEA — On May 31, a 15-acre farm becomes the stage for an aerial performance unlike anything Iowa has seen. The Circus of Tensegrity, a site-responsive circus project directed and produced by

Iowa City-based aerialist Mimi Ke, will premiere at 4 p.m. on May 31 at Windy Goat Acres in Chelsea.

This free outdoor event blends aerial dance, live Japanese drumming and an atmospheric soundscape inspired by the elements. Set in direct relationship with the natural landscape, The Circus of Tensegrity is created on-site and features a rope installation in collaboration with visiting artist Elaine McCague. Audiences are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets and experience contemporary circus, shime-daiko rhythms and sound installation in open connection with the land. Following the event which includes an artist discussion and short movement workshop, guests of all ages are welcome to enjoy the serene farm setting, with baby goats, llamas and a garden bar.

“The show is about tuning in slowing down enough to feel how we’re supported and stretched by the environments around us and an invitation to experience circus in a new way,” said Ke.

“It’s rare to build a live show entirely on site while blending in aerial rope as part of the environment. It’s a different kind of rigor than other circus shows,” McCague said.

The performance features a collaborative team of artists including:

• McCague (Creative Director of Loosysmokes, Ireland)

• Tanis Sotelo (co-founder of Soten Taiko, Des Moines)

• Kate Gylten (Iowa City-based sound artist)

With support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Iowa Arts Council, The Circus of Tensegrity aims to expand the reach of live performance beyond traditional venues bringing experimental work into rural landscapes and offering Iowans new ways to experience the arts.

• Free admission, bring a chair | Reserve seating on Eventbrite

• Outdoor site-specific aerial performance

• 30 minute post-show discussion

• 30-minute movement workshop open to all attendees

• Donations accepted