Circus Artist Christopher McAuley Debuts ‘Itch,’ a raw Exploration of Eczema, Identity, and Self-Acceptance
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A deeply personal and unflinchingly honest new theatrical work is set to premiere at the Dublin Fringe Festival in September 2025. “Itch,” created and performed by multi award-winning queer circus artist Christopher McAuley, promises a unique blend of autobiographical storytelling, circus artistry, and a powerful message of radical self-acceptance.
A Lifetime Battling ‘Itch’
McAuley’s journey with atopic eczema began at birth, leading to years of experimentation with restrictive diets and lifestyle changes in pursuit of a cure. “Biological washing powder. Down pillows. Caffeine,sugar,alcohol. Nightshades. Dogs.Wool. Gluten. Trees. Stress,” McAuley recounts, listing just a fraction of the triggers he attempted to eliminate. Eventually, he shifted his focus from eradication to embracing his condition, recognizing it as an integral part of his identity.
This September, mcauley will unpack that identity through “Itch,” a show described as part autobiographical theatre and part circus. the performance aims to guide audiences toward a place of queer, radical self-acceptance.
From Hiding to the High Wire
The path to self-acceptance wasn’t linear. McAuley recalls a childhood marked by self-consciousness and shame, particularly during school days in belfast. “I felt broken, like I came off the conveyor belt with a defect,” he admits, describing the whispers about his skin and the discomfort of physical education classes.
Finding circus at age 12 proved transformative. The discipline offered not only joy but also a sense of pride in his physical capabilities. “I had eczema, but I could also somersault, do the splits, and fly on a trapeze,” McAuley explains. He recognized that circus celebrated difference, and he knew he had found his artistic home.
Vulnerability and the Power of Visibility
“Itch” isn’t simply a recounting of personal struggle; it’s a deliberate act of visibility. McAuley acknowledges that complete acceptance remains a daily practice, but he hopes his work will create space for others to embrace their own truths.The show has already resonated with audiences, with many reporting feeling “seen,” particularly those with visible differences.
mcauley intentionally incorporates nudity into the performance, a decision that required confronting his own vulnerabilities. “I wanted to show eczema unfiltered,” he states. “To be seen, completely, and allow audiences to look-really look-without judgement.” This process, he says, has been profoundly liberating, teaching him about shame and the power of shedding it.
A Fluctuating Reality
McAuley is candid about the ongoing nature of his condition. While his skin has stabilized in recent years, it remains a constant presence. “As I type, I can see the sores on my hands and forearms,” he shares. He describes the fluctuating nature of his eczema, acknowledging that it can range from a “6 out of 10” on good days to a “5 or a 7” on others. “And that’s okay,” he affirms.
“Itch” aims to give voice to anyone who has ever felt “other,” balancing comedy with vulnerability to invite laughter, reflection, and healing. McAuley hopes his story will empower others to see themselves as “lovely, powerful, capable bodies.”
“Itch” will run at Smock Alley Theatre, The Boys School from September 9-13 as part of the Dublin Fringe Festival 2025.more information can be found here. Expect laughter, a touch of emotion, and maybe even a sausage roll or two.
