Body as an Archive

A fascinating story, told by a very talented acrobat who lived it. I highly recommend.... full review

An incredible story and show! An absolute must see! 10/10... full review

Junru Wang is a revelation. Her autobiographical "Body as an Archive" is a celebration of human will against the often brutal authoritarian coaches and mindsets of circus gymnastics. From the streets of Beijing, to the stages of Cirque du Soleil, it's a joy to witness Junru as she finds her way home to her art at last. A powerful, magical and feel-good solo performance experience! ... full review

That was an amazing experience! I’m so sorry for what she went through throughout her life. that sounds like intense training with the beatings and just being flown around the world that seems like a lot for a person so young. I’m glad that Jun Ru is making her skills her own.... full review

Wow! Jun was a circus teacher of our sons for a time, and we never knew the depth of her backstory. To learn of this in a dramatic theatrical setting is a revelation of her character and how she achieved her skill level in such a dramatic way. "Body as an Archive" is a moving one person show with circus arts and real emotion. Very courageous. ... full review

Circus theare at its best ! Junru explorers a childhood of rigorous, abusive circus training starting at the age four with her complicated family upbringing in China. The desire for the family to have her succeed comes at a huge cost. Loved the unique storytelling with both Chinese (probably Mandarin) and English dialogue coupled with stunning hand balancing acrobatics. And somehow as she grows up, she is able to find her voice, her path and her personal style on her own terms…with grace and dignity. I’m very excited to see how this show continues to develop and expand to more venues around the world.... full review

Spectacular!:)... full review

Junru's artistry is magnificent to witness. Body as an Archive is definitely one of my favorites of this year's fringe. Beautifully written & directed, simply told, her physicality is sublime. She recounts her life training as an acrobat in China and how her identity was shaped by it. As painful as certain moments are, Junru is absolutely luminous in telling her story.... full review

Body as an Archive took me into a world I had no idea existed and it most definitely sparked conversations and research afterwards. Junru is a dazzling and elegant acrobatic artist, thoughtful and humorous actor and insightful writer. I was moved by her bright personality and positive delivery which helped me feel safe while I was hearing about a traumatic childhood experience. I can see this having wide appeal, there is an expose aspect to the story in sync with the spectrum of human trafficking and the circus industry. ... full review

Body As An Archive is a triumphant piece of circus theater. Junru’s performance is both heart-wrenching, yet ebullient, as she masterfully traverses what could be a chasm between telling a story using the medium of the spectacular body and the content of the story being about navigating that body’s path to spectacular-ness. If you’ve never seen circus outside of the big top atmosphere, do yourself a favor and go see how impactful a medium it can be, especially for dealing with topics like body sovereignty. Body As An Archive is a story of hope and reclamation, and leaving the theater feels less like an ending, and more like a beginning, knowing that everything that comes from Junru next is truly her own. ... full review