Photo: Tina Axelsson.
Where are you from?
I grew up in a small village named Algutsrum (the room for all Gods) on the island of Öland in south-western Sweden. This is where my performance dreams were awakened and motivated me to apply to Cirkus Cirkörs contemporary circus gymnasium in Botkyrka, Sweden. Following this I studied circus in Copenhagen with a Bachelor of Arts in physical comedy at the Swedish Theater Academy. I have also studied juggling at the Kiev Municipal Academy of Circus Arts.
I started working with Claire in 2016 as a substitute in GRASS. Since then I have performed a number of times nationally and internationally with the company. I am also a performer in A Smaller Swan Lake that premiered at The Royal Dramatic Theater in Stockholm 2018.
As a performer, what is special in Claire Parsons’ performances?
The basic physicality of Claire’s work is very appealling. The challenge is to really be on one’s toes to maintain that unpredictable nerv and energy that emanates underneath the surface. This feeling and physicality is something I continuously work on in meeting the audience.
What is the most unexpected that has happened during a performance that you have performed in?
Working in the field of the performing arts for young audiences is about being prepared and to expect the unexpected. This could mean an audience that starts to dance with you or an audience with strong reactions to something that for them is unexpected.
Why do you want to perform for young audiences?
I have strong memories from when I was a child, being fascinated by the experience of seeing a performance or a film. These experiences inspired me both in how to play and that I needed to follow my dreams. I think art and culture is very important for children, especially seeing adults in play. It is something I hope to pass on to younger generations. There is nothing better than experiencing the energy from an audience of happy children.