Big top style at Cirque Berzerk

Matt Allmen holds up his fellow performer Elisabeth Carpenter as they rehearse their routine outside the big tent shortly before Cirque Berzerk show time July 23. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

July 31, 2009 11:02 AM PT

The production, which runs through Aug. 9 at Los Angeles State Historic Park, is a collision of subcultures, a visual feast of cabaret-burlesque-neo-Goth under a big top in the menacing shadow of the downtown skyline.

Michael “Tex” Vediriger, center, stretches on a balance post backstage. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Kevin Bourque, founder of Cirque Berzerk, poses for a portrait before performances at Los Angeles Historic Park. Bourque said he hopes Cirque Berzerk get to the point were it can take the show on the road. (Jake Stevens / Los Angeles Times)

Fisher, one of the main singers in the show, puts the final touches on her makeup shortly before show time. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Deidre O’Neill fixes her hair and makeup before an evening production. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Suzanne Berhel, a dancer in the show, poses for a portrait before making her way to the stage. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Artists get ready before the rehearsal of the Cirque Berzek’s show in Los Angeles. (Gabriel Bouys / AFP / Getty Images)

Artists perform during the rehearsal of the Cirque Berzek’s show. (Gabriel Bouys / AFP / Getty Images)

Brigitte Hagerman of Silver Lake takes the lead during a performance of Cirque Berzerk. (Jake Stevens / Los Angeles Times)

Cirque Berzerk performance at Los Angeles Historic Park. (Jake Stevens / Los Angeles Times)

Cirque Berzerk performance at Los Angeles Historic Park on July 2, 2009 (Jake Stevens / Los Angeles Times)