Where can you watch: a man playing a trombone while riding a unicycle, a woman doing the splits on a trapeze and a pair of intertwined dancers doing four backflips in a row? The Berlin Circus Festival of course! Now in its tenth year, the fest for contemporary circus art (07–18.08.2024) is once again unfolding the big top in the quiet southwestern corner of Tempelhofer Feld for 12 days of acrobatics, dance and theater. The indoor and outdoor program comprises 47 shows which offer a refreshing counterpoint to the usual juggling and tightropes. Many of the performances have rich narratives and themes, like performer Diana Salles’ Delusional, a poignant physical theater piece about the gender journey of a trans woman (16–18.08.2024). Then there’s Masacrade, a tragicomedy about finding meaning that sets high-flying acrobatics alongside theatrical motifs – expect thrilling stunts and tongue-in-cheek chaos (08–11.08). Humor permeates the entire festival line-up, as with Red Hot Condition by Finnish pair Nelli Kujansivu and Aaron Hakala, whose keep-fit comedy and 80s-inspired outfits are a playful critique of fitness and beauty obsessions. The full festival program – which includes music, art and workshops alongside circus shows – is available to preview online. Get yourself a ticket, head for the big top and prepare for some clowning (or dancing or swinging) around…
Text: Benji Haughton / Photos: LoiÌc Nys, Bernadette Fink & Camilla Berrio
Berlin Circus Festival (07–18.08.2024) on Tempelhofer Feld (Tempelhofer Damm entrance), Tempelhofer Damm 101, 12101 Berlin–Tempelhof; map
@berlincircusfestival
