Body as an Archive

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

An engaging and heartfelt autobiography. The story and show will stay with you.... full review

Moving journey with amazing moves.... full review

Junru’s story is so beautifully and heartbreakingly told in Body As An Archive. Her story is both shocking, mesmerizing, vulnerable, and moving. From moments of humor that made us laugh to the shock and tear-jerking details of everything she had to endure throughout her life so far, and at such a young age. Her lighting, music choices, and dialogue had the entire crowd holding their breath in anticipation and awe. Junru’s ability to overcome and find passion for her artisty is nothing short of inspiring, and everyone truly needs to hear her story. ... full review

Beautiful. A harrowing experience is presented with wisdom, insightfullness, passion, and delight. It's about someone discovering themselves and who they are and that they can be so much more than they thought they were. It's about self-expression and art. I was bowled over.... full review

This show is exceptionally well directed. Just when I feel myself about to cry, it finds a way to make me laugh, creating a perfect balance between emotion and humor. Junru is not only an incredible actor and acrobat but also a gifted writer. She tells a deeply moving and heavy story with remarkable charm, keeping the audience engaged and invested from beginning to end. ... full review

Miraculous. I am not exaggerating, blowing smoke, or overstating this show. It was miraculous. Junru’s story is miraculous, her performance is miraculous, the weight and emotion of the show, it is all miraculous. This is, by far, one of the most powerful, heartwarming, heartbreaking, breathtaking pieces of art I have ever had the fortune of experiencing. There is nothing less than everything to be taken away from this beautiful work. Also, she is one hell of a talented contortionist, but she is oh so much more.... full review