“I’m Possible.”
It’s a hopeful phrase that’s about two keystrokes away from becoming one of the most defeating words in the English language—“impossible.”
The Omnium Circus chose the name of its latest show, I’m Possible, to align with the company’s purpose. “Omnium,” translated directly from Latin, means “of all and belonging to all.”
Omnium is the circus for all, performed by a cast of diverse artists who were likely told at one point in their lives that their dreams were impossible. On the afternoon of November 9, while performing one of their final shows of 2024 at Queens Theatre, performers of all abilities, races, and ages told the audience, “I’m Possible.”
And they proved that audience inclusivity is possible, too. Audience members were made aware of a “cool off” area in case anyone needed a break. They were also told that vocalizations were welcome during the performance. For those who needed them, assistive listening devices were available.
There were two ringmasters: Danette E. Sheppard-Vaughn, a Black, able-bodied performer, and Malik Paris, a Black and Deaf poet, dancer, and performer who narrated the show in American Sign Language.
All of these inclusive features proved that the Omnium Circus stands by the meaning of its name—it is for all audiences as well as all different types of performers.
Too often in arts, entertainment, and media, one part of the phrase “diversity and inclusion” is ignored. Before the first minute of the show is over, Omnium demonstrates both in action.
DC Metro Arts described the show as “a theatrical spectacle with heart-stopping scenes and an unforgettable emotional arc.” While heart-stopping, heart-warming, and funny might seem like opposing emotions to put in a 90-minute circus, it’s true that they all exist harmoniously at Omnium.
The story revolves around Johnny (Ermiyas Muluken) a young, able-bodied Black man who faced hardship and was told early on that he wouldn’t achieve his dreams. Then he discovered the circus and slowly learned that his dreams were possible if he believed and persevered.
His circus friends also reinforce this by performing their own amazing and joyful acts including hoop dancing, balancing tricks, hanging tricks, crossbow stunts, and bubble illusions.
Jennifer Bricker-Bauer, a wheelchair user born without legs, and her husband, Dominik Bauer, close the first act with a performance on silks. Bricker-Bauer does tricks on the apparatus while her husband accompanies her on the trombone and sometimes in the silks to help her make amazing shapes. They even dance together in mid-air in a beautiful display of love.
Champion gymnast Rik Daniels, also a wheelchair user, opens the second half of the show with a wheelchair dance act, energizing the audience and encouraging laughter.
Inclusivity and differences are celebrated during every minute of I’m Possible, from the comedy of Omnium’s clowns Slappy (Tiffany Riley) and Monday (Dick Monday)—who ask eager children to join them on stage for a silly performance with bells—to the Indigenous-centered performances of Dr. Stephanie Little Thunder Morphet-Tepp.
I’m Possible is a powerful story for children and their families. Kids need to see different bodies from a young age to truly understand that everyone is welcome in the world. There is nothing to fear at Omnium Circus, only skills to marvel about.
Omnium’s founder Lisa B. Lewis told Able News she learned the power of inclusivity decades ago when she saw a clown at a circus she worked for speak in sign language to a group of teenagers who appeared to be sullen. Their laughter at his jokes transformed the energy of the space.
Her circus’ mission, she said, is to have her company members be diverse in enough ways “so that when you look on stage, you can see yourself represented regardless of the body you inhabit or the skin you’re in.”
“It’s not the white, Russian, able-bodied circus,” she added.
Omnium Circus’ “I’m Possible” resumes at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C in February 22.