Micaela Castrillo Vargas
Performer, artist, teacher.
Based in Zurich.
3rd April 1999
I am a Bolivian/Chilean circus and movement artist currently based in Zurich. I was born in Bolivia and moved to Chile at the age of four. Growing up between cultures and as an immigrant has deeply shaped both my identity and my artistic perspective.
In 2019, I moved to the Netherlands to study Circus and Performance Art at the Academy of Circus and Performance Art, where I graduated in June 2023, specialising in aerial rope. My movement research focuses on the contrasts between control and chaos, as well as dynamism and poetry.
After graduating, I worked for two years with the Swiss circus company Zirkus Chnopf. Alongside this, I developed my own creation, La Cosecha, with Cia Insurgentes, which was awarded the “Keep an Eye” grant supporting recently graduated circus artists. During this creation process, I worked mainly in Belgium and the Netherlands with UPUPUP, Cirklabo, TENT, Panama Pictures, and De Warande, and performed at Festival Circolo. I have also performed short acts in a variety of settings, including dinner shows and cabarets.
Most recently, I was selected for the 10-month mentoring “Peer-to-peer program” by Artlink as part of the Here! program. I am, where I will develop Diaspora Blues (a circus performance) and other artistic projects guided by professionals already established in the Swiss arts scene. At the same time, I am currently in the initial development phase of La sociedad del barro (Society of Clay) together with Amanda and Alcides, with the premiere planned for 2028.
Having big eyes makes me expressive on and off stage. Also, my Latinoamerican roots give me fire and energy to always be in movement and resist life-art. My performances and creations are a mix of poetry, political expression in different forms, and, sometimes, insights from Latin America.
Offers
Let's connect and create together!
Performer
Versatile
I know many circus disciplines, as well as physical theater and dance.
I have been crafting during the years; my movement research is particular and unique.
Teacher
Any age, any person, any language
In the last few years, after graduating from circus school, I have been teaching occasionally. With my experience and my own approach to the body, I can see results in people.
Language is not a barrier; with patience and a good explanation, everybody can understand. I have the experience of it. I beleive in the power of non-verbal communication.
Collaborations
Pictures, Video, Performances, etc...
The main reason for living on another continent from where I was born it was, and it is: to create, to be an artist.
If you have any idea, we can bring it up together.
