Christopher McAuley
Christopher McAuley is an Irish/Northern Ireland based circus artist who began his circus journey at the age of 10 in a social circus programme bringing children from across the peace walls of Belfast together, to introduce them to the joy of circus.
After many years of training, he auditioned for and graduated from the prestigious circus university Codarts University of the Arts in Rotterdam. Since graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Circus Arts, Christopher has spent the past few years refining his approach to creation and developing an understanding of how trapeze can function as a performative language rather than simply a display of technical skill. His contemporary work addresses human emotion, vulnerability, and identity, seeking authenticity throughout the creative process. Through his work, he aims to forge genuine connections with audiences. Drawing inspiration from lived experiences - personal, emotional, and often unspoken - he translates these moments into performance as a way of reaching others who may have felt the same.
As a queer, working-class contemporary circus maker, Christopher uses his time on stage to illuminate subjects that are often overlooked or left unspoken. His practice is grounded in honesty and vulnerability, aiming to transform individual experience into collective understanding. His solo show - ITCH - is currently on tour across Ireland, check out his website for more info!