Unapologetic and unabashed like its star Jennifer Miller’s beard, Un Cirque de New York hits like a hammer. From French director Frédérique Pressmann comes a biting documentary capturing a slice of New York City at the turn of the last century.  It follows sideshow performer Miller, her troupe of misfits and its 1999 summer tour of the city. Their mission: to combat former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani’s policies. Their method: to challenge the norm via Vaudeville.

Known as Circus Amok, Miller’s gang not only excels in acrobatics, juggling and one-act plays but also in social and political commentary. That’s the heart of Un Cirque de New York; it’s not quite a profile of the troupe but a critique of Giuliani through the group’s eyes. Circus Amok seeks to entertain and inform its audience when it performs, and Pressmann succeeds by following suit.

There are moments of humor: excerpts of the silly antics in Circus Amok’s shows and the subsequent reactions from the children in the audience.  Yet, despite these instances of joviality, Circus Amok and Un Cirque de New York’s message is serious.  Giuliani’s conservative regime has hurt the city. Interviews with the city’s residents, who feel the consequences of his policies, incite emotion and at times their stories are heartbreaking.

Make no mistake; the “Bearded Lady” is the star of the show. Miller’s wit and candor is captivating, her charisma contagious. One might not agree with her methods, but her courage to be herself while confronting what she sees as wrong is laudable and worth emulating.

Vox Rating: VVVV = PAY FULL PRICE