In 2008 Shelly became Artist in Residence at the National Centre For Circus Arts (previously known as Circus Space) the premier centre for circus arts in London. During her residency she worked with foundation degree students to devise and choreograph a work for the screen. The result is a visually sumptuous poetic feast where forms melt into the world of The Forgotten Circus. Gerard Bell, a regular in Shelly’s films plays The Ringmaster. Jamie McDermott and The Irrepressibles composed and performed the soundtrack, which includes their hit ‘In This Shirt’. The Forgotten Circus was funded by Circus Space and Arts Council England.
The Forgotten Circus has screened at over 100 dance, arts and film festivals worldwide and was part of a limited edition EP/DVD release entitled ‘From The Circus To The Sea’ a collaboration with The Irrepressibles which appeared in Rough Trades ‘Most Wanted’.
“..The Forgotten Circus is one of the most stunning, beautifully compelling works I have ever seen. The juxtaposition of whimsy with brevity is thought consuming and inspiring. Apocalypse as performance, it resonated in notions of war, breath, humanity and hysteria. The idea that an aesthetic of silent film could be turned on its end to create something that is wholly contemporary is amazing. The colors and use of light is beyond compare. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and recesses of my mind…” – John Moletress – Theatre Director – Washington DC, USA.
“The Forgotten Circus by Shelly Love: it is a magical, fascinating, source d’inspiration for me..the costumes by Oliver Garcia are Marvellous…” – Madame Chic De France – Fashion designer – France
“..Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful!!!!!!! So uniquely creative and hauntingly beautiful! …” – Dora Villanueva
“… I found one of the most amazing short films I’ve ever seen that gave me so much inspiration!… The Forgotten Circus made by Shelly Love. It’s amazing, abstract and everything is backwards but makes complete sense. A quote from the short film that is forever ingrained into my head is “They perform to no audience, only to themselves…can you hear the music?” It’s also some of the only words spoken…but it’s so hauntingly beautiful…” – Sharmaine Ruth – Indiana
“Fantastic short film my dad and I found. I don’t really think I can introduce or give an explanation of this. Just watch and have your mind blown..” Amber – Florida, USA
“..Incomprehensibly beautiful short film. Amazing. Only 20-ish minutes, and I was captivated the whole time…My computer froze about halfway through, and I actually started slamming my fists on the desk….”. – Troglobite
The Guardian Review: The atmospheric power of Theatres By Chris Wilkinson
see a live show – whether it is in a space with the rustic intimacy of the Watermill or the urban grunge of the Arcola – the venue itself can become an inherent and often enriching part of the experience.Ironically, the importance of this sense of place was powerfully demonstrated to me recently whilst watching a short film.
about the possibility of a piece of theatre existing entirely in one’s head, and it is this idea – the nightmarish, endless loop of an truly unobserved performance – that has become lodged in mine.
same. But I would be very hesitant about seeing this piece again outside of this context, in case its initial impact was somehow diminished. And in that sense, the film became a highly effective piece of theatre.