Ringling International Arts Festival organizations announced a line-up of performances for the 2016 festival that will showcase Australian acrobats, a Motown-inspired interpretation of Shakespeare’s Othello and a piano-centric circus performance by an artist from New Zealand. The festival runs Oct 13-16. 

“Audiences will have the opportunity to experience a range of vibrant and exciting performances from all over the world and will be captivated by these internationally acclaimed artists,” said Dwight Currie, curator of performance. “These compelling, energetic performances brilliantly showcase their unique perspectives and diverse backgrounds.”

What will attendees see this year? Israeli cellist Matt Haimovitz will present The Bach Suites: A Moveable Feast, combining work of the master with more contemporary composers. Australian acrobatic team Gravity & Other Myths bring the new show, A Simple Space. Choreographer Doug Elkins presents two pieces, including Mo(or)town/Redux, a transformation of Othello, and Hapless Bizarre, a dancer-meets-clowns number. Eighth blackbird, a Grammy-winning sextet, brings it classical-meets-rock signature sound. Cinco Aero join forces with New Zealand artist Thomas Moncton for The Pianist, a “spectacularly catastrophic solo contemporary circus comedy act.” And comedy trio LMnO3: Lohse, Marquis & Oakley bring BANGS: made in America, an exploration of female identity. 

Performance tickets cost $35, with discounts available in packages and for members at The Ringling. Tickets may be purchased at the Historic Asolo Theater Box Office, John M. McKay Visitors Pavilion, on Bay Shore Road, by calling 941-360-7399 or online at www.ringling.org.