5 Ways Physics And Circus Relate

A self-proclaimed nerdy circus performer, Pipi-Ayesha Evans initially wanted to be a physicist but an interest in physicality and physical theatre and a desire to push her body led her to circus.

Performing a modern adult fairy-tale, inspired by the story of the wife-murdering Bluebeard, 'The Blue-Bearded Lady' will be told by one of his wives – Lady Bluebeard. She has entered the forbidden room, and is contemplating what her fate is to be. Perhaps the secrets of her childhood can empower her to save herself. He is a beast, but she may be the stronger wolf.

Surprisingly, circus isn’t far removed from physics: an understanding of physics helps with understanding and grasping the circus moves. “Circus is about defying the rules of the ‘normal’ human body, and specifically aerials are about defying gravity... In another life, I’d like to teach physics, using circus aerials as teaching devices – in particular aerials can demonstrate momentum, force, centrifugal force, gravity, pendulum motion, inertia and levers.”

Here are five ways physics and circus relate:

Gravity

I owe everything to gravity: if it wasn’t for gravity, then everyone could do what I do!

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Physics keeps me safe

The aerial equipment I hang off all needs to be able to hold approximately one tonne of weight. We can use the equation: Force = mass x acceleration (Newtons second law of motion). When I fall, I accelerate. So basically, when I fall, I become ‘heavier’ – so the aerial equipment has to hold much more than just my mass (of 50kg). One tonne keeps a safety factor in so it won’t break under whatever momentum I gather in a drop.

Levers help

Using the body as a lever to assists in aerials: for example, to get up to sit on a trapeze. With most aerials it’s important to keep a tight body (it’s impossible to use a piece of string as a lever).
Here’s me doing an ‘impossible’ lever:

Centrifugal force

Whenever I’m spinning on the web rope, centrifugal force pulls me out. I have my hand in a special hand loop, to lock me in and to prevent me from accidentally letting go and flying out. I also use the centrifugal force acting on me to allow my body to get horizontal.

Creativity is as important to physics as it is to arts To quote Einstein: “To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires creative imagination and marks real advance in science.” This is exactly how I approach making work.

'The Blue-Bearded Lady' performs Brisbane Powerhouse, 15-17 May.