The production marked the first appearance of Merce Cunningham with the Martha Graham Dance Company.

[3] The ballet's theme is Everywoman's inner desire to be the center of attention and the ridiculous lengths to which she will go to attain that end.

[5] The lone spectator, the empress' alter-ego, watches as the frenzy of the circus performance builds.

[6] When the ballet debuted, many audiences and critics were astonished to see Graham's wry, witty side.

[8] Reviewers described her performance in Every Soul is a Circus as "poignant clowning" having a "warmth of personality",[9] "frank and funny" and "belly-laugh provoking.