YOAH, an innovative contemporary Japanese circus which blends elements of Japanese culture and philosophy with acrobatics and dazzling projections, will begin performances at the New Victory Theater on April 2-19, 2026.

YOAH will be the first Japanese circus presented at the New Victory Theater following the presentations of circuses from 14 countries over the last 30 years.

“We are deeply honored to present YOAH at the New Victory Theater in New York, one of the world’s great cultural cities. Through this performance, I hope audiences may experience a glimpse of a perspective and feel the “something” that is deeply connected to Japanese culture — living in harmony with nature, expressing gratitude toward others, and continuing the journey of reflecting on oneself.

If audiences leave the theater having felt even a small sense of that spirit, and having enjoyed the experience, it would mean a great deal to us.” said YOAH Artistic Director Yusaku Mochizuki.

YOAH Contemporary Japanese Circus

Recommended for ages 7+, YOAH is 60 minutes long with no intermission.

In the moonlit glow of dawn, a young wanderer named YOAH descends from her aerial silks into a circle of Shinto spirits. Hypnotic projections play in sync with the performers as they send juggling balls soaring, conjure confidence atop a tower of chairs, and fling their glowing diabolos to the heavens in hopeful arcs of neon.

Set to a dramatic medley of traditional Japanese drumming and thumping electronica, YOAH features imagery from myths and traditions of Shinto, the native religion that still plays an important role in modern Japanese culture.

The production includes loud music, spinning lights, and flashing projections.

YOAH | New Victory Theater 30th Birthday Season



YOAH was created by the Japan-based circus company Cirquework and produced by Cluster Arts Global. Cirquework brings together a new generation of contemporary circus artists making waves both in Japan and abroad. As a pioneering force in Japan’s modern circus scene, the company boldly fuses acrobatics, dance, music, lighting, and digital visuals to create innovative circus experiences for audiences around the world.

The presentation of YOAH at the New Victory will mark its first performances in the United States. YOAH previously toured Australia, England, and Switzerland.

New Victory Family Benefit: Circus in the City

Attendees of this year’s New Victory Family Benefit: Circus in the City on April 19, 2026, a can’t-miss afternoon of nonstop fun for the whole family, will enjoy a special performance of YOAH followed by a procession down 42nd Street to an exclusive celebration at Dave & Buster’s that includes lunch, hands-on activities, arcade games, swag bags and more.

Proceeds from Circus in the City support the innovative artistic, arts education and engagement programs of New 42 and the New Victory Theater.

Free Lobby Tie-in Kid Activities

The show on stage is just one part of the visitor experience! For 45 minutes before and 20 minutes after every show, the lobby of the New Victory Theater features free do-together activities in which families can try new performance skills or explore the show’s themes.

Whether they are wild, wallflowers or somewhere in between, New Victory will guide children through fun family engagement inspired by the show.

Tickets

Tickets start at $25 and are available at the New Victory Box Office (209 W 42nd Street) leading up to the performance and starting two hours before curtain time on performance days.

Tickets can also be purchased via phone by calling 646-223-3010 and online.

Learn more, visit - www.newvictory.org