Voucher Shows
Art For Rainy Days
How A Spiral Works
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus / Tanz
photo: Eve Gastaldi
Art for Rainy Days explores the theme of (self-)care, in a gentle yet radical way. When is it easy, and when does it become an act of courage? How can one maintain self-care in the face of pain, dizzying heights or intense tension? The two performers, from Latvia and Lithuania, weave a bond using their bodies, a plait and the vertical rope. Through technical brilliance and a reinterpretation of Baltic folk music, they create images that are truly mesmerising.
from and with
Adam Dupree, Alise Madara Bokaldere, Ingrid Eskusson, Izabele Kuzelyte, Jacob Jakobson, Jason Dupree, Nikola Suhareva
duration
50 Min.
minimum age
8+
language
nonverbal
shows
Thu. 17.30Fri. 23.00Sat. 12.30Sun. 21.00
stage
O | Luftschloss
Based on Kimberly
Yes Person
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus
photo: Andrejs Strokin
An experimental new-wave circus in which two performers have decided to say ‘yes’ without reservation: to all those ‘killed darlings’ that would have been better off buried. The duo gives all their wild, discarded favourite ideas a second chance and breathes new life into them. Somewhere between stand-up circus, bird disco and performance art, a garish collage of fantastically dreadful ideas emerges – shamelessly embarrassing and absurdly top-class!
from and with
Based on Kimberly
duration
60 Min.
minimum age
13+
language
englisch
shows
Thu. 23.00Fri. 14.30Fri. 18.00Sat. 17.30Sat. 20.30Sun. 12.00
stage
K | Circopula
Blizzard Concept
Opéra pour sèche cheveux
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus
photo: Anthony Krizmanic
Who would have thought that hairdryers, table tennis balls and other household items could hold such potential for circus magic? Two performers from France bring out the magic in the everyday: physical feats of the highest calibre meet the surprising manipulation of insignificant objects – and suddenly you find an explosion incredibly relaxing, want to go back to your studies and start to doubt scientific laws that were still valid just a moment ago.
from and with
Antoine Terrieux, Bambou Monnet, Christian Coumin, Jérémie Chevalier, Jordan Enard, Julien Mandier, Lola Bréard, Margaux Duchène, Margot Falletty, Marylou Bateau, Sylvain Cousin
duration
60 Min.
minimum age
6+
language
englisch
shows
Thu. 20.30Fri. 11.00Fri. 16.30Sat. 23.00Sun. 11.00
stage
V | La Ballena
Cie. Fœhn
Rêve encore plus
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus
photo: Hugo Orenga
Verträumt und voller Leichtigkeit entfaltet sich der choreographische Dialog zweier marokkanischer Akrobaten. Ihre Jonglage, ihr Tanz und die zarte Interaktion ihrer Cyr Wheels lassen die Grenze zwischen Fantasie und Wirklichkeit verschwimmen. Kreise werden zu Toren in imaginäre Welten, das Spiel zum ständigen Wegbegleiter. Eine poetisch-akrobatische Reise, die den gemeinsamen Lebensweg zweier Kindheitsfreunde erzählt – und den Blick auf den eigenen öffnet.
from and with
Chaouki Amellal, Hamza El Alouani, Julie Keyser, Michel Abdallah, Samuel Neyhousser
duration
50 Min.
minimum age
5+
language
arabisch
shows
Thu. 22.00Fri. 17.00Sat. 17.30Sat. 21.30Sun. 12.30
stage
O | Luftschloss
Hotel Iocandi
Conhort
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus
photo: Eva Freixa
‘Conhort’ is a haven of security. The Catalan duo offers a sensitive and profound insight into our interpersonal relationships. They gently invite the audience to become part of their tragicomic world. Through marbles and contemporary circus, the piece celebrates the beauty of being together. It is our flaws and imperfections that unite us. Welcome to true happiness, to the cosy den of the underdogs.
from and with
Tomeu Amer, Griselda Juncà
duration
50 Min.
minimum age
7+
language
englisch
shows
Thu. 19.30Fri. 22.30Sat. 12.00Sun. 23.00
stage
Q | Grand Palais
Kolja Huneck & Luuk Brantjes
SYMBIOSIS
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus
photo: Lily Schlinker
Gloomy and full of unexpected twists, a surreal universe unfolds in Kolja Huneck and Luuk Brantjes’ dome tent. Whilst the trickling of the hourglass challenges our very sense of time, acrobatics, ‘magie nouvelle’ and object theatre blend seamlessly together. Combining a teeterboard with bouldering skills, unusual records and slime, it remains unclear whether fascination or unease prevails. One thing is certain: this show is captivating.
from and with
Amrei Simon, Arjen Schoneveld, Benjamin Richter, Fidel Rott, F.S.Blumm, Jef Delva, Júlia Campistany, Kolja Huneck, Leoni Grützmacher, Lily Schlinker, Luuk Brantjes, Ramona Lehnert - Gefördert von: Kulturreferat München – Abteilung Kunst und Kultur, Ministerium für Kultur und Wissenschaft Nordrhein- Westfalen im Rahmen des Förderprogramms Neue Künste Ruhr, Culture Moves Europe, umgesetzt durch das Goethe-Institut
duration
60 Min.
minimum age
8+
language
nonverbal
shows
Fri. 16.30Fri. 22.00Sat. 16.00Sat. 22.00Sun. 15.30Sun. 20.00
stage
J | Circopicco
La Víspera
Fragments
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus
photo: Josip Bolonić
Vinka Delgado gives it her all to resist the crushing weight of patriarchy. Amid Masks, prosthetic dolls, and acrobatics on the Chinese pole, she dies in order to reassemble herself. Blindly, she is swept into a maelstrom of destruction and reproduction – a veritable splatter film on stage. Everything flies haphazardly about and reassembles itself – a dark, fascinating play about the trials and tribulations of life and the art of constant transformation.
from and with
Ayelen Tejedor, Lupa Maimone Pusceddu, Ricardo Serra, Vinka Delgado Seguro
duration
60 Min.
minimum age
12+
language
spanisch, englisch
shows
Thu. 15.30Fri. 21.00Sat. 14.00Sat. 20.00Sun. 15.00
stage
V | La Ballena
Los Galindos
MDR – Death from Laughter
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus / Clown
photo: Mireia Guilella
A parody that both entertains and unsettles! Melon, Mardi and Rossinyol find themselves caught up in an unexpected conflict that reveals their untamed will to survive and their sheer clumsiness. Witness a rough-and-ready friendship born of guilt and responsibility, an unlikely crime, a suspicious trial and an absurd punishment – the arbitrariness of the justice system as seen through the eyes of three clowns. An incredible performance that risks making you laugh yourself to death.
from and with
Anicet Leone, Bet Garrell, Caterina Fiol, Gabriel Agosti, Jake Oob, Joël Fesel, Johnny Torres, Marc Soler, Marcel Escolano, Nartxi Azcazrgorta, Santi Ruiz Albalate, Stephane Filloc – mit Unterstützung von - Departament de Cultura de la Generalitat de Catalunya und Institut Ramon Llull
duration
70 Min.
minimum age
10+
language
englisch
shows
Thu. 19.30Fri. 19.30Sat. 19.00Sun. 18.30
stage
Outdoor (tba)
Lotta & Stina
20 Years Later, Still Here!
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus
photo: André Wirsig
20 years in the circus – that leaves its mark. Lotta & Stina, two performers from Finland, look back with a touch of self-deprecating humour and present an entertaining show combining autobiographical anecdotes and acrobatics. Amidst the glamour and hard work, successes and setbacks, they celebrate the power of the stage and a friendship that has weathered all the ups and downs. A touching yet hilarious tribute to life on and off stage.
from and with
Enna Paavilainen, Heidi Niemi, Lotta Paavilainen, Palle Nothlev, Satu Kankkonen, Stina Kopra, Troels Hagen Findsen, Vilma Vantola
duration
65 Min.
minimum age
12+
language
englisch
shows
Thu. 23.30Fri. 13.15Sat. 21.15Sun. 11.30
stage
P | Papilio
Overhead Project
My Body Is Your Body
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus / Tanz
photo: Ingo Solms
‘My Body Is Your Body’ takes a bold, playful and incisive look at our expectations of the body and its gender-specific behaviour. Two acrobats and a dancer navigate the spectrum between closeness and distance, dominance and submission, strength and exhaustion. At the same time, the bi-frontal seating arrangement means the audience is confronted with the act of looking at one another. When does observation turn into voyeurism? And who is actually observing whom here?
from and with
Charlotte Ducousso, Eric Eggert, Francesco Germini, Garlef Keßler, Leon Börgens, Leonardo García, Lisa Lehnen, Lukas Zimmermann, Maiol Pruna Soler, Mechtild Tellmann, Mijin Kim, Mirjam Hildbrand, Monika Odenthal, Patricia Carolin Mai, Susanne Schneider, Simon Bauer, Tim Behren
duration
50 Min.
minimum age
12+
language
nonverbal
shows
Fri. 17.30Sat. 19.00Sat. 23.00Sun. 14.00Sun. 18.00
stage
Q | Grand Palais
Richard Kimberley
Jimmy - A Ridiculous Tragedy
Physisches Theater
The audience favourite from at.tension#10 is back! In a captivating one-man show, Richard Kimberly brings a wide variety of characters to life through physical theatre, incisive mime and clowning. At the heart of the story is the young Jimmy’s quest to become a real man. Hidden grief, toxic behaviour, shame and admired role models all play a part, as does Kimberly’s ruthless humour. What does it mean, again, to be a man?
from and with
Giovanni Fusetti, Lisa Klein, Peter Sweet, Richard Kimberley
duration
80 Min.
minimum age
14+
language
englisch
shows
Thu. 17.00Fri. 18.45Fri. 22.45Sat. 16.00Sat. 21.15Sun. 13.30
stage
T | Petit Palais
Silvia Gribaudi
R.OSA - 10 exercises for new virtuosities
Zeitgenössischer Tanz
photo: Gianfranco Rota
Silvia Gribaudi hits the nail on the head: in a format that blends a one-woman show with a group fitness session, the choreographer challenges our perceptions of bodies, women and social roles. With charm and a twinkle in her eye, the expressive performer Claudia A. Marsicano takes to the stage as a dancer and motivational coach. She demands recognition through irritation, breaks the conventions of aerobics and unleashes virtuoso skills. An ode to the joy of life!
from and with
Alessandro Palumbi, Claudia A. Marsicano, Erica Sessa, Leonardo Benetollo, Luca Serafini, Paolo Tizianel, Silvia Gribaudi – mit Unterstützung durch das Italienische Kulturinstitut Hamburg
duration
45 Min.
minimum age
8+
language
englisch
shows
Thu. 18.00Fri. 23.30Sat. 11.00Sun. 17.00
stage
K | Circopula
Subliminati Corporation
Deixe-me
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus
photo: Sebastian Armengol
Four acrobats, the timeless melody of a nearly broken ghetto blaster and a flying carpet create an absurd world that straddles social satire, confession and ritual. In a performance that is funny, bitter and surprising, the boundaries between stage and audience, reality and fiction, become blurred. Every moment defies your expectations. Physical theatre, spoken theatre, circus and dance come together to create an ironic satire – sometimes funny, sometimes tragic, but always spot on.
from and with
Charlotte le May, Maël Tebibi, Mikel Ayala, Romain Delavoipière
duration
60 Min.
minimum age
10+
language
englisch
shows
Thu. 18.30Fri. 20.45Sat. 13.00Sat. 16.00Sun. 19.45
stage
P | Papilio
Wilde&Vogel, Feisel und Genossen
Farm der Tiere
Figurentheater / Live Musik
photo: Thilo Neubacher
The farm animals listen in unison to the legacy of the award-winning breeding boar, Old Major. The revolt against the old farmer Jones succeeds – and overnight, the animals take control. All animals are equal! But which are more equal? George Orwell’s analysis of totalitarian mechanisms, written in the mid-1940s, is frighteningly relevant today. A timeless masterpiece of world literature, a fable full of dark humour, a musical in ten chapters.
from and with
Alexandra Goslawska, Aline Patschke, Charlotte Wilde, Johannes Frisch, Mechtild Nienaber, Philipp Scholz, Michael Vogel, Samira Wenzel, Stefan Wenzel
duration
180 Min. inkl. Pause
minimum age
16+
language
deutsch, englisch
shows
Thu. 21.45Fri. 14.00Sat. 11.00Sun. 17.00
stage
T | Petit Palais
Theatre / Dance / Circus
1001 I Sayeh Sirvani
Tiefenrausch
Figurentheater
Confusion, anxiety, hallucinations: deep-water intoxication affects divers at great depths and robs them of their judgement, putting their lives in mortal danger. In her moving solo performance, the Iranian puppeteer Sayeh Sirvani uses this condition as a metaphor for flight and the search for stability. Shaped by Iran’s history and the protests of 2019, this piece gives a voice to those who faced the agonising choice of whether to leave or to stay.
from and with
Alex Derouet, Antoine Lenoir, Coraline Charnet, Myriam-Naomi Walburg, Nicole Mossoux, Parva Karkhaneh, Sayeh Sirvani, Teresa Ondruskova
duration
45 Min.
minimum age
10+
language
französisch, persisch, deutsche Untertitel
shows
Thu. 22.00Fri. 14.00Sat. 13.00Sat. 16.00Sun. 14.00
stage
M | Tube
Akira Schroth
fly with u
Objekttheater
photo: Nina Pieper
“I like sunflowers. Sunflowers are my favourite flowers.” In this object theatre piece made from crocheted doilies, a person who came to Germany 35 years ago as a guest worker recalls Sunny, a past love. With minimal resources and subtle acting, the play recounts fictional memories from Rostock-Lichtenhagen. In just 15 minutes, Akira Schroth creates a moving depth that, due to its alarming relevance to the present day, is deeply stirring and leaves a lasting impression.
from and with
Akira Schroth
duration
15 Min.
minimum age
14+
language
deutsch
shows
Thu. 23.00Fri. 19.00Fri. 20.30Sat. 19.00Sat. 20.00Sun. 20.30
stage
H | Neuland
Alex Franz Zehetbauer
An Evening With
Konzert / Performance
photo: Elsa Okazaki
Let the charming Alex Franz Zehetbauer whisk you away to a surreal piano bar: on a rollercoaster ride ranging from poetic lullabies to traditional folk music and acclaimed pop hits, you will be swept through a variety of moods and styles. With catchy tunes and a mischievous sense of humour, hovering between seriousness and absurdity, this performance invites you to experience the unifying power of music. With a touch of magic, virtuoso playing and choreographic surprises.
from and with
Alex Franz Zehetbauer, Christian Schröder, Claire Lefèvre, Dez Miller, Han-Gyeol Lie, Ipek Hamzaoglu, Jen Rosenblit, Joe Albrecht, Liv Schellander, mollusca productions
duration
60 Min.
language
englisch
shows
Fri. 18.00Sat. 18.00
stage
Z | Cabaret
Anna Rot
TVMordia - Stirb schön und leise
Theater / Performance
photo: Winter / Kramarek
For years, the Austrian actress Anna Rot has been playing the female corpse on television. A bare leg, her hair flowing softly across the bloodstained floor. So far, so familiar. In conversations with her female colleagues, however, a sense of unease becomes palpable: from the tapestry of sound in these conversations and Anna Rot’s charisma emerges a multi-layered theatrical evening exploring the objectification of female victims of violence. The voices of the dead become audible – and they have a great deal to say.
from and with
Ana Stefanović Bilić, Anna Rot, Cat Jimenez, Dolores Winkler, Dulci Jan, Ilonka Petruschka, Jennifer Gisela Weiss, Johanna Orsini, Karl Börner, Larissa Kramarek, Laura Golfier-Brechmann, Lens Kühleitner, Lise Risom Olsen, Nina Fog, Rotraud Kern, Tom Skoruppa
duration
80 Min.
minimum age
14+
language
deutsch
shows
Thu. 20.00Fri. 23.15Sat. 11.00Sun. 18.00
stage
G | Theater
Candlelight Dynamite
Der weiße Hai
Lecture Performance / Objekttheater
photo: Jörg Landsberg
An idyllic seaside resort is plagued by a man-eating shark during the high season – or is it? Since beach barriers spoil the tourism industry the mayor is simply brushing away the danger. Whilst politicians shirk their responsibilities, a turbulent quest for the truth begins. With bizarre objects and lightning-fast changes of role and perspective, a chaotic mess quickly breaks out.
from and with
Anne Sophie Domenz, Denis Geyersbach, Nadine Geyersbach, Jorid Lukaczik
duration
120 Min.
language
deutsch
shows
Fri. 17.45Sat. 17.45Sun. 15.15
stage
39 | Ostpol
Cia. Roi Borrallas
Solo
Clown
photo: Txus García
A clown needs his stage, his audience. But what happens when the spotlight goes out and he is left alone in his dressing room? In this liminal space, which is neither the stage nor real life, the boundaries between the human being and the fictional character become blurred. With boundless imagination and plenty of humour, this clown fights against loneliness and routine. A deeply human play about an actor without an audience – a clown when no one is watching.
from and with
Joan Cot Ros, Mina Trapp, Roi Borrallas
duration
45 Min.
language
nonverbal
shows
Thu. 21.00Fri. 23.59Sat. 20.00
stage
D | Harbour
Cie. Alta Gama
Mentir lo Mínimo
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus
photo: Matias Chiofalo
Do you like your body? Do you feel comfortable in it? Would you change it? In this minimalist circus, three bodies – a man, a woman and an artistic bicycle – explore what really matters: one’s own physicality and its presence. In an intimate atmosphere and in direct connection with the audience, they explore the different facets of how we perceive our bodies. With its apparent simplicity, this moving show brings us a step closer to the complex question of self-acceptance.
from and with
Alejo Gamboa, Amanda Delgado, Angéla Kontis, Frédéric Perrin, Pere Vilaplana, Pilar Aguilar
duration
50 Min.
minimum age
8+
language
englisch
shows
Thu. 17.30Fri. 18.30Sat. 17.30Sun. 17.00
stage
W | Tarmac
Cie. Bakélite
Invaders
Objekttheater
photo: Virginie Meigne
In the dark vastness of space, an unknown threat lurks: jelly-like creatures are moving slowly but inexorably towards Earth. Their intentions? Still completely unclear. Do they want to take over the world? Are they planning destruction? This short object theatre piece is a loving homage to the alien invasion films of the 1950s. There’s just one small detail that makes all the difference: you are guaranteed to find yourself smiling.
from and with
Gaëtan Emeraud, Olivier Rannou
duration
25 Min.
minimum age
7+
language
nonverbal
shows
Fri. 23.59Sat. 22.00Sat. 23.30Sun. 22.00
stage
H | Neuland
Cie. Dyptik
Amin
Tanz
photo: Cie. Dyptik
The sun sets over a raft stranded in the middle of the desert – surrounded only by wind, dust and the memory of a vanished ocean. In a dusty circle, men and women dance for their very existence: bodies whirl to the pulse of a swaying world in search of a collective breath. This raw, high-energy dance is led and driven by the Moroccan musician and singer Nabil Sansi, drawing on the Gnawa tradition. Here, trance takes shape as resistance.
from and with
Ali el Kihal, Assiya Eddahbi, Davide Salvadori, Léa Bouchery, Mehdi Meghari, Nabil Sansi, Patrick De Oliveira, Souhail Marchiche, Tibault Miglietti
duration
45 Min.
language
nonverbal
shows
Thu. 18.30Fri. 18.30Sat. 16.00Sat. 19.00
stage
36 | Turmbühne
Cie. Hëin?
Unnecessary Violence
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus
photo: Miguel Sanchez
Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, you can’t quite tell at what point a well-intentioned joke ultimately went too far. Something similar happens to two jugglers: Their playful banter is suddenly tinged with a subtle hint of violence. Competing with one another, they test the limits and find the most creative ways to outdo the other person. In a back-and-forth between conflict and humor, one thing matters above all else: Don’t be afraid of good slapstick!
from and with
Elise Morard, Ganna Veenhuysen, Nils Liedtke - Finanzielle Unterstützung: Keep an Eye Foundation (NL)
duration
35 Min.
minimum age
4+
language
englisch
shows
Fri. 12.15Fri. 14.30Sat. 15.00Sat. 17.15Sun. 10.30Sun. 13.00
stage
24 | Rosa Platz
Cie. Humo y Polvo & Cie. Las Corpa
Obsolete Elegance
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus
photo: Jakob Sax
Celebrate the pure energy of non-conformity with ‘Obsolete Elegance’. With surreal costumes made from recycled materials and eccentric creatures, the four women create their own universe beyond reality. They seek beauty in the grotesque and find splendour in distortion. With acrobatic dance, aerial artistry and offbeat humour, this subversive circus unleashes a wild frenzy and celebrates the absurd – thrilling and experimental!
from and with
Ignacia Parraguez, Lorena Di Bello, Martina Calvo, Morgane Maret
duration
45 Min.
minimum age
6+
language
englisch
shows
Fri. 13.00Fri. 16.45Sat. 13.00Sat. 16.45Sun. 11.30
stage
38 | Ostpol
Cie. Kif Kif
Nous, la forêt
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus
photo: Sixtine Leroy
At the foot of a tree, two brothers try to put down roots. They grow up together, providing shade for one another and wrestling in the earth. Through a blend of acrobatics and juggling, a sibling bond unfolds, caught between deep connection and rivalry. With humour and tenderness, the two plunge into their fantasy world, spread out their branches and make apples dance. Set to the rhythm of the drums, this piece makes a heart-warming plea for life.
from and with
Alexis Barbier, Baptiste Bouissou, Francoise Leger, Louise Digard, Lucas Bouissou, Noëmi Bouissou, Xavi Moreno
duration
60 Min.
minimum age
6+
language
nonverbal
shows
Fri. 17.00Sat. 15.00Sun. 18.00
stage
2 | Am Weidendom
Cie. MDS I Marianna De Sanctis
Mother.Woman.Artist.
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus
photo: Nika Osenchuk
With unflinching candor, the artist and mother shares her reality behind the scenes: abuse of power, prejudice, discrimination, and the challenge of creating art with children. Moving, raw, and ironic, the stage becomes a place of lived experience. A personal #MeToo story about vulnerability, self-determination, and the courage to choose one’s own path – even if it isn’t always the easiest one. Followed by a discussion.
from and with
Alma Kaiser, Camilla La Verde, Maë Lestage, Marianna De Sanctis, Nicanor de Elia, Yaelle Antoine
duration
55 Min. + 30 Min.
minimum age
10+
language
englisch
shows
Sat. 12.30Sun. 14.30Sun. 19.00
stage
X | Datscha
Cie. Nicanor de Elia
Copyleft
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus / Tanz
photo: Macarena de Noia
Experience a choreographic whirlwind of dance and juggling. Inspired by various sports, five jugglers move across the pitch in a fast-paced interplay. Through this dynamic dialogue, the piece by Argentine choreographer Nicanor de Elia explores the relationships between the individual and the group. The poetry here lies in the details – in a synchronised dance movement, a perfectly timed throw or a playful interaction with the audience.
from and with
Enrique Rosenman, Giovanni di Domenico, Gonzalo Fernandez, Juan Duarte, Lucas Castelo, Nicanor de Elia, Thibault Michel, Walid El Yafi
duration
45 Min.
language
englisch
shows
Fri. 15.00Sat. 17.00Sun. 12.30Sun. 16.15
stage
35 | Seite Triebwerke
Cie. Pol & Freddy
Panic Ludic
Objektmanipulation
photo: Christian Gmunder
The world after the apocalypse – everything lies in ruins, the future is uncertain. A man wanders through the desolate landscape, using the few items he has managed to salvage to combat the loneliness of everyday life. With unexpected juggling techniques and DIY mechanics, Sander De Cuyper breathes life into these curious found objects. ‘Panic Ludic’ is an absurd, post-apocalyptic ‘object dressage’ brimming with ingenuity, as well as a visual ode to the friendship between humans and objects.
from and with
Bram Dobbelaere, Geert de Wit, Griet Herssens, Lars Senders, Sander De Cuyper
duration
45 Min.
language
nonverbal
shows
Fri. 17.30Sat. 14.00Sat. 17.15Sun. 12.00Sun. 15.00
stage
12 | Wiese zwischen Salon & Tube
Cie. Sacékripa
Surcouf
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus
photo: Ferrante Ferranti
In a small boat, two men approach a makeshift raft – a first, precarious refuge from the wet and the uncertainty. They defy the relentless element of water with acrobatic balancing acts. With subtle humour, this absurd aquatic acrobatics piece explores instability and the shared search for stability. Full of humanity and a willingness to take risks, the French duo shows how to stay on course when life begins to falter.
from and with
Benjamin De Matteis, Mickael Le Guen
duration
40 Min.
language
nonverbal
shows
Fri. 14.30Fri. 17.30Sat. 12.30Sat. 15.30Sun. 12.30
stage
43 I Am See
Circus Katoen
Grasshoppers
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus
photo: Matija Smuk
Just how much can the plants of our world actually withstand? Two performers extract a real patch of turf from the ground and transform it into an object – using planks, trestles, ropes and their own bodies, they mobilise, control and manipulate the living greenery. What roles do we humans play in our relationship with nature? An acrobatic manipulation of objects and a playful exploration of our planet’s resilience and vulnerability.
from and with
Sophie van der Vuurst de Vries, Willem Balduyck
duration
45 Min.
language
nonverbal
shows
Fri. 18.00Sat. 10.00Sat. 15.15Sun. 16.15
stage
U | Macadam
Cirque Pardi!
Bleu Électrique
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus
photo: Michel Wiart
A cinematic atmosphere fills the air. Straddling the line between trash and oblivion, the characters on the fringes of everyday life unfold a world of dreamlike sequences. With sarcasm and humour, this contemporary circus takes an unflinching look at reality – full of absurdity and humanity. Following a two-week residency on the Kulturkosmos site, Cirque Pardi! will present three previews of ‘Bleu Électrique’ at at.tension#11 ahead of the official premiere.
from and with
Aude Martos, Elsa Pottier, Eva Ordoñez, Fer Flores, Jonathan Frau, Julie Bergez, Laura Cardona, Noëmie Bouissou, Mehdi Cherif, Timothé Loustalot
duration
70 Min.
minimum age
8+
language
englisch
shows
Thu. 16.00Fri. 15.30Sat. 16.00
stage
19 | Tanzwüste
Clémence Caillouel
The Requiem of Sophie Withman
Performance / Clown
photo: Jana Rothe
Sophie Withman loves the limelight, romance and stories with tragic endings. As reality fails to live up to her expectations, she creates her very own tragedy on stage night after night. What at first glance appears to be an elegant jazz concert quickly turns out to be a raging melodrama – and is guaranteed to end in a macabre disaster. Blending dark clowning, the grotesque and interactive cabaret, this non-verbal show satirises the myths of love in our time.
from and with
Clémence Caillouel, Gözde Atalay
duration
60 Min.
minimum age
12+
language
nonverbal
shows
Fri. 20.00Sat. 23.59Sun. 19.00
stage
D | Harbour
Collectif Les Idoles
REFACE
Tanz / Performance
photo: Tom Grand Mourcel
Everything is in a state of flux – our bodies, our relationships, political power structures. In ‘REFACE’, the stage is transformed into a physical and musical laboratory of ceaseless metamorphoses. Navigating the realms of transformation, deformation and illusion, the performers blur the boundaries between the self and the other. Who is standing there on stage? A fascinating interplay of transformations that brings the complexity of our existence into sharp relief.
from and with
Chandra Grangean, Chloé Herouart, Jacopo Greco D’Alceo, Lise Messina, Lucie Grand Mourcel, Martin Malatray-Ravit, Mélanie Garrabos, Melissandre Halbert
duration
40 Min.
minimum age
8+
language
nonverbal
shows
Fri. 23.30Sat. 21.30Sun. 11.30
stage
X | Datscha
Collectif Maison Courbe
OBAKE
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus
photo: Loïc Nys
This site-specific performance radically challenges our visual habits. The inseparable duo Parpaing and Moellon has been tasked with a mission whose purpose is difficult to fathom. On their journey through the human world, the two use walls, facades, trees, and staircases as vertical stages for their unpredictable acrobatics. A mobile performance that relentlessly appropriates public space and completely revitalises our view of the surroundings.
from and with
Clémence Roger, Florian Bessin, Hélène Leveau, Jérémy Damian, Juliette Steimer, Léo Manipoud, Mathilde Leveau, Nicolas Chapoulier, Yuko Kobayashi
duration
60 Min.
minimum age
7+
language
nonverbal
shows
Thu. 18.30Fri. 16.00Sat. 15.30Sun. 17.00
stage
13 | Vor der Tube
DeRonde/Deroo
It really hurts when your head hits the concrete
Physische Performance
photo: Joshua Walter
A man drags his companion around like a rag doll. But what happens when the companion no longer wants to play along? In their physical performance, Tom de Ronde and Nick Deroo demonstrate, in a humorous yet poetic way, the personal baggage we all carry with us. Without a single word, the audience is drawn into the cinematic images created by the duo. A visual poem full of expressive presence and acrobatic highlights.
from and with
Jef Van Gestel, Jethro Cooke, Maarten Krielen, Nick Deroo, Pol Eggermont, Tom de Ronde
duration
35 Min.
language
nonverbal
shows
Thu. 17.00Fri. 17.45Sat. 12.00Sat. 15.15Sun. 18.30
stage
35 | Seite Triebwerke
Digitôle
Digitôle
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus
photo: Noé
Three jugglers, clad in colourful silk, are sucked into a sort of video game. Now they are at the mercy of the musician – who remains in the real world – and his magical beat machine. With live techno, he dictates every throw and every movement. The three remote-controlled bodies are driven to perform an electrifying juggling act until they are completely exhausted. A vibrant tribute to the glorious era of the Game Boy.
from and with
Baptiste Jeanneqiuin, Gabin Ghibaudo, Raphaël Jacob, Victor De Bouvère, Victor Gosset
duration
45 Min.
language
nonverbal
shows
Thu. 18.45Fri. 12.00Fri. 15.00Sat. 18.30Sun. 10.00Sun. 12.15
stage
U | Macadam
Elise Reine
The Shedding
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus
photo: Anna Barclay
As a contortionist, Elise Reine is used to being watched as she bends her body under the spotlight. She knows that the audience is wondering whether she can lick every inch of her body. Now the self-proclaimed snake woman invites you to witness her personal shedding. In a bi-frontal framework, she explores the sexualization of contortion and questions romanticised violence against women. Intimate, explicit, and rebellious. Followed by a discussion.
from and with
Elise Bjerkelund Reine, Helle Karlsson, Hjalmar Nilsson, John Hanna, Kajsa Bohlin, Maia Cherry, Marcelo Nunes
duration
40 Min. + 30 Min.
minimum age
18+
language
englisch
shows
Fri. 22.30Sat. 22.30Sun. 22.30
stage
17 | Tanzwüste
Hanschitz & Beierer
still.interwoven
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus / Tanz
photo: Beierer
One of life’s great, seemingly never-ending tasks is the art of navigating relationships. How does personal bonds develop? When will they break, and how can we forge new connections afterwards? Three performers, a Cyr wheel and live electronic music explore the sense of security and the challenges posed by closeness, trust and dependence. A poetic narrative featuring contemporary dance, the Cyr wheel and object manipulation.
from and with
Joël Beierer, Linda Pilar Brodhag, Lorena Madurga, Lotte Sterringa, Sandra Hanschitz
duration
35 Min.
minimum age
5+
language
wenig Sprache (englisch, deutsch, spanisch)
shows
Thu. 18.30Fri. 13.00Sat. 18.30Sun. 14.00
stage
2 | Am Weidendom
Intrépidus Squad
STEK
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus / Clown
‘STEK’ is street. Noise, smoke, stunts, acrobatics, juggling, and clowning come together to create a universe free of conventions. Four outcasts tell a story of the unseen events on the fringes of society, with joy, gloom, and plenty of dark humour. In their turbulent daily lives filled with car chases, jumps, and somersaults over containers, life can be worth a piece of bread. Thanks to a fierce zest for life, their motto is: Keep moving forward, whatever the cost!
from and with
Analía Vincent, Léo Morala, Maelle Prévôt, Mario Barragan, Moutaoukil Yaniss, Ottavio Stazio
duration
55 Min.
minimum age
6+
language
englisch, französisch
shows
Thu. 16.30Fri. 18.30Sat. 12.00Sun. 17.30
stage
24 | Rosa Platz
Jörg Müller
Mobile
Objektmanipulation / Sound - Performance
photo: Emmanuel Burriel
Smooth metal tubes hang in the air in a simple arrangement. While they may seem unremarkable at first glance, that impression vanishes the moment Jörg Müller steps onto the stage: Whirling in countless circles and ellipses, the juggler moves in and around the tubes, breathing life into them. A song made out of bells, a carousel of planets – this audiovisual hypnotic spectacle, executed with high precision, evokes fantastical associations as well as pure, sensual delight.
from and with
Jörg Müller
duration
20 Min.
language
nonverbal
shows
Fri. 18.30Fri. 20.00Sat. 18.30Sat. 20.00Sun. 21.30Sun. 23.59
stage
18 | Tanzwüste
Keep Company I Abby Neuberger & Luca Bernini
Underfoot
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus
photo: Frederico Cella
The ground beneath our feet may feel solid. Yet it is constantly and perpetually changing: tiny creatures are ceaselessly gnawing away at the world and reinventing it. A hand-to-hand duo takes us beneath the earth’s surface – where a giant earthworm and countless bacteria lie in wait. Physical theatre and acrobatic lifts celebrate the power of our ecosystem. If there is life after death, this is it, and it is spectacular!
from and with
Abby Neuberger, Catherine Machault, Clélia de Biasi, Luca Bernini, Magali Castellan, Marco Baranzano, Milena Erez, Paul Alphonse, Roberto Magro, Roser Font
duration
45 Min.
minimum age
7+
language
nonverbal
shows
Thu. 15.00Fri. 18.30Sat. 13.30Sun. 15.30
stage
1 | Am Weidendom
k*hole karaoke | Ping-Hsiang Wang
Retina Maneuver
Lecture Performance
photo: Hang Su
Ping-Hsiang Wang leads a seemingly carefree life in Berlin. Alicia Keys’ chart-topping hit ‘Girl on Fire’ has always fascinated him. Whilst browsing through his digital archives, the song that was once the karaoke anthem of his wild nights out unwittingly becomes the soundtrack to a violent past. The question inevitably springs to mind: what would I do if war broke out tomorrow? A clever lecture-performance full of warmth, wit and honesty.
from and with
Aurora Kellermann, Kang-Hua Chang, k*hole karaoke, Meng-Jiin Hsieh, Ping-Hsiang Wang, Raquel Rosildete, Sára Enyingi, Soojin Oh, Wan Shi, Yi-Ju Chou - TATWERK | Performative Forschung (Berlin); Freies Werkstatt Theater (Köln); Kaaitheater (Brüssel); Gefördert vom Fonds Darstellende Künste aus Mitteln der Beauftragten der Bundesregierung für Kultur und Medien im Rahmen von NEUSTART KULTUR; National Culture and Arts Foundation Taiwan; PACT Zollverein (Essen), finanziert vom Ministerium für Kultur und Wissenschaft des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen
duration
55 Min.
minimum age
16+
language
englisch, mit deutschen Übertiteln
shows
Fri. 17.30Sat. 16.00Sun. 22.30
stage
X | Datscha
Knot on Hands
Brace for Impact
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus
photo: Kolja Huneck
A simple setting, minimalist costumes, and a refreshing focus on the essentials: Knot on Hands explores new ways of moving as a trio. In the process, they push the boundaries of balance; find trust in placing their weight in another person’s hands; and develop a unique, organic form of partner acrobatics. The result is a feast for the eyes and a heartwarming experience – because even without words, the three understand each other perfectly.
from and with
Britt Timmermans, Mario Kunzi, Merel Heering, Tijs Bastiaens
duration
30 Min.
minimum age
6+
language
nonverbal
shows
Fri. 14.00Sat. 11.00Sat. 14.30Sun. 11.00Sun. 13.15
stage
W | Tarmac
La Barque Acide
EX5 – The car drives you
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus
photo: Camille Bontout
A car races through the darkness and hand-to-hand acrobatics meet bare skin. Three female acrobats appropriate the sexist image of naked women on car bonnets and translate it into their own circus language. Inspired by cinematic worlds, they explore the ambivalence between tenderness and violence. Following a two-week residency on the Kulturkosmos site, La Barque Acide is presenting exclusive previews – the official premiere is scheduled for 2028.
from and with
Antoine Venturini, Camille Bontout, Maristella Tesio, Patrick Lebowski, Steph Mouat, Swantje Kawecki
duration
30 Min.
minimum age
12+
language
nonverbal
shows
Sat. 00.30Sat. 20.45Sat. 23.59Sun. 21.00
stage
30 | Beim Palapalais
Les Arracheurs de Dents
Tiens, Tiens
Wrestling-Show
photo: Anais David
You can hear the heated atmosphere even from a distance: the favourite is being cheered on, whilst the opponent is being kept in check. “Tiens Tiens” is a cut-throat, high-level sporting competition. Or is it just that well-known French children’s game? If you have never heard of it – never mind! – you are still welcome to come along and be blown away by little hits and big stunts. The great Roger Couderc is taking on none other than – oh, we have forgotten. Includes a 20-minute, optional introduction.
from and with
Alexandre Dumont, Aurélien Blandeau, Claire Lemercier, Crust Zombie, Marie Dupasquier, Mathieu Gratedoux, Moineau écarlate, Olivier Baudu, Pierrick Bonjean
duration
20 Min. + 45 Min.
minimum age
6+
language
englisch, französisch
shows
Thu. 16.55Fri. 14.10Sat. 14.10Sun. 14.40
stage
8 | Seebühne
Marius Alsleben
20 Liter O
Objekttheater / Sound-Performance
photo: Sophie Baur
A performer and 35 blue plastic canisters search for common ground. The canisters find it difficult to decide whether to exist as functional objects or as characters. A sung ‘O’ makes all the difference – spontaneously, they form a seven-part choir. Somewhere between object theatre, sound sculpture and interactive installation, Marius Alsleben creates a surprising world in which everyday objects seem to come to life.
from and with
Marius Alsleben
duration
20 Min.
language
nonverbal
shows
Fri. 16.00Sat. 16.30Sun. 16.30
stage
D | Harbour
Moon Ribas, Quim Girón & Animal Religion
Symphonic Flock
Sound-Performance
photo: Plepys
Follow your herd instinct and let the shepherds Moon Ribas and Quim Girón invite you to graze together. Equipped with portable speakers that act as electronic cowbells, the audience constantly create new choreographies and soundscapes during this mobile performance. ‘Symphonic Flock’ is at once a community experience, a sound performance and a ritual: experience the collective energy of a flock and the animal nature within us all.
from and with
Adriana Parra, Joan Cot Ros, Moon Ribas, Quim Girón
duration
55 Min.
language
englisch
shows
Thu. 18.00Fri. 10.30Fri. 18.30Sat. 10.30Sat. 18.30Sun. 10.00Sun. 16.30
stage
26 | Rootsbase
Opposable Thumb Theatre
Don Quixote (is a very big book)
Figurentheater / Clown
photo: Mathias Olsen
In this fast-paced one-man show, Dik Downey’s midlife crisis collides head-on with Don Quixote’s wild fantasies. Whilst Quixote chases impossible dreams, Dik attempts to retell the epic novel and deliver the best show of his life. With desperate clowning and a host of puppets, this play takes a humorous look at the humiliations of growing older and one’s own mortality. A battle against the inevitable, with British humour.
from and with
Ali Robertson, Aneta Skut, Chris Collier, Dik Downey, Emma Williams, Izzy Bristow, Simon Preston
duration
60 Min.
minimum age
12+
language
englisch
shows
Thu. 17.00Fri. 18.00Sat. 22.00Sun. 11.00
stage
M | Tube
Oxyput Compagnie
Full Fuel
Tanz
photo: Michel Wiart
A dance on the volcano in times of dwindling resources and the current climate crisis. ‘Full Fuel’ transforms the runway into an explosive dance floor fuelled by collective energy. Armed with petrol cans and fuelled by driving live music, the four performers dance ecstatically as the noose tightens around them. Get ready to weather the storm brewing on the horizon, and dance until the energy finally boils over!
from and with
Fanny Aquaron, François Juliot, Julia Berrocal, Laurie-Anne Clément, Léa Lhomme, Magalie Leportier, Marine Cheravola, Nelly Poiret Dandres, Oscar Rozsa Miller
duration
45 Min. + 30 Min.
minimum age
6+
language
nonverbal
shows
Fri. 20.15Sat. 19.30Sun. 19.30
stage
31 | Landebahn
PANNE FATALE
Anfang.Ziege.Ende
Objekttheater
photo: Zoe Lauryn Hinsch
Patmos, the island of the Revelation. At the end of the world, three female players wonder whether it is worth setting up a warning triangle – and why the goat looks so hopeful. Somewhere between a nightmare, a goat documentary and the Book of Revelation, the Panne Fatale collective takes you on a dark, absurd road trip. This is powerful object theatre with live sound, fearless humour and homemade special effects. Please fasten your seatbelts!
from and with
Gerda Pethke, Lotta Lechtenberg, Odile Pothier, Staeff Günther, Tülin Hegemann
duration
45 Min.
minimum age
12+
language
deutsch
shows
Fri. 22.00Fri. 23.59Sat. 19.00Sun. 19.00Sun. 21.00
stage
M | Tube
Parasites Ensemble
BD$M - Bratwurst. Deutschland. $chnitzel. Macht.
Theater / Performance
photo: Ingo Solms
‘BD$M’ is an fearless head-on attack on the AfD. Can a fascist party be beaten at its own game? In a wild hybrid of video art, news programme and bondage session, the Parasites Ensemble dissects the strategies used by the far right to shape public discourse. The result is a compelling example in how theatre can engage with real political threats. Analytically precise, highly entertaining and radically exhilarating.
from and with
Parasites Ensemble
duration
70 Min.
minimum age
16+
language
deutsch
shows
Fri. 18.00Fri. 20.45Sat. 21.30Sun. 11.30
stage
G | Theater
Pikz Palace
The Swan Lake
Ballett
photo: Pikz Palace
The world-famous, classic ballet production ‘Swan Lake’ at the at.tension Festival – performed exclusively on a tiny stage measuring just one and a half square metres! Performed in front of an unlimited audience at the open-air theatre, this humorous production breaks all the rules of ballet and proves just how much monumental drama can unfold in the smallest of spaces. Experience Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece in an absurd version full of surprises and Belgian humour.
from and with
Alain Rinckhout, Eric Peeters, Greete Verhoeven, Wouter Bories
duration
30 Min.
language
deutsch
shows
Thu. 15.30Fri. 13.30Fri. 15.45Sat. 13.30Sat. 15.15Sun. 11.00Sun. 13.30
stage
15 | Platz der Kosmonauten
Post uit Hessdalen
BALLROOM
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus
photo: Brecht Van Maele
Inside a truck, a man appears against a bleak concrete backdrop. He has the monotonous task of collecting countless balls and stowing them away in crates. Gradually, his bored sense of duty turns into an obsession with finding new, unexpected trajectories for the balls’ flight paths. Suddenly, the technically precise art of object manipulation gives way to magic. An enchanting dance of the balls that is guaranteed to leave you in awe.
from and with
Bert Laurijssens, Frederik Meulyzer, Ine Van Baelen, Jochem Baelus, Koen Haagdorens, Kinga Jaczewska, Lodewijk Heylen, Lucas Van Haesbroeck, Nushi Lambreva, Stijn Grupping, Watson Memić - With the support of the Flemish Government
duration
30 Min.
minimum age
5+
shows
Fri. 14.00Fri. 15.00Fri. 16.00Sat. 14.00Sat. 15.00Sat. 16.00Sun. 12.30Sun. 13.30Sun. 14.30
stage
42 I Ostpol
Société Protectrice de Petites Idées
Violent
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus / Tanz
photo: Sébastien Armengol
‘Violent’ transforms the stage into an unbridled sensory overload. Inspired by photos, GIFs and videos from digital media, everyday consumerism is taken to the extreme here. With extravagant costumes, pink kitsch, dance and circus acts, the identical twin performers unfold an uninhibited world somewhere between escalation and excess – where control, judgement and meaning no longer stand a chance. A garish amusement park with the highest risk of accidents!
from and with
Aleth Depeyre, Aude Martos, Camille Urvoy, Éloïse Simonis, Elsa Pottier, Emma Romer, Federico Robledo, Loïc Chauloux, Nanda Suc
duration
60 Min.
minimum age
7+
language
englisch
shows
Fri. 21.30Sat. 22.45Sun. 22.00
stage
S | Palapalais
Theater Kuckucksheim
IKARUS
Punk-Oper
photo: Frederik Seeberger
With music, humour and puppet theatre, this offbeat punk opera tells the story of Ika, a down-and-out solo performer. He once played in the punk band DURCHFALL (DIARRHOEA), but due to creative differences, the band split up without ever having played a single gig. Today, Ika tours the countryside with his dog and songs such as ‘Systemfehler’ (‘System error’) and ‘Welt am Arsch’(‘The world is screwed’), showing what it feels like to fall through life – between utopia and dystopia, fiction and reality.
from and with
Annkathrin Slavik, Benjamin Seeberger, Dorothee Löffler, Nando Seeberger, Rene Huber, Stefan Vogel
duration
90 Min.
minimum age
12+
language
deutsch
shows
Sun. 23.00
stage
D | Harbour
Tripotes la Compagnie
Kiss&Fly
Zeitgenössischer Zirkus
photo: Camelia Berrio
‘Kiss&Fly’ is an ode to hit the road together. Four friends take to the streets on a converted cargo bike, a teeterboard and with plenty of daring acrobatics. Their energetic physicality literally propels them skyward: they fly over the heads of the audience, only to settle back into a calm and comfortable chat. A fleeting, shared experience, unfolding in several stations, in the here and now.
from and with
Daniel Torralbo Pérez, Gianna Sutterlet, Leon Börgens, Leonardo Michael García Rodriguez
duration
40 Min.
language
englisch, spanisch
shows
Fri. 14.45Sat. 13.30Sun. 10.00Sun. 15.00
stage
32 | Landebahn
Trukitrek
Clic
Figurentheater / Film
photo: Bayrem Ben Mrad
Algorithms have taken over the world. Artificial intelligence has eradicated all emotions. A single giant corporation has monopolised every market from toothbrushes to organ transplants and monitors us around the clock. What to do now? ‘Clic’ is a short object theatrepiece played out of a Truck, a transhumanist fable, a retro-futuristic dystopia that encourages us to question a few things - better too soon than too late.
from and with
Jorge da Rocha, Josep Piris, Lu Pulici, Lia Maggioli, Rugiada Grignani
duration
45 Min.
minimum age
14+
language
englisch
shows
Thu. 20.30Fri. 21.45Sat. 20.15Sat. 22.30Sun. 21.00
stage
27 | Sonnendeck
Sideshows / Walking Acts / Installations
Cabinet Fatalia
Fatalia's Factory of Eyeflash Miracles
Installation
photo: Stefan Voigt
Cabinet Fatalia is at once object theatre, a cabinet of curiosities and a panopticon of surreal display objects. Inside a small bus, a parallel universe unfolds, filled with wondrous miniatures, obscure interiors and peep-boxes. Motors, spring mechanisms, and vibrating and rotating contraptions bring bizarre machines of association to life. It seems that the mysterious, the enchanted and the absurd have finally found a home.
from and with
Bärbel Voigt, Stefan Voigt
language
nonverbal
shows
Thu. 20.00Fri. 16.00Fri. 20.00Sat. 16.00Sat. 20.00Sun. 13.00
stage
4 | Neuland
DCA Crew
Der Crêpe Automaat
Performativer Crêpe-Stand
photo: TOUM
You have definitely never seen a machine like this before: at the crossroads between a production line, a food stall and a fairground attraction, you will be treated to delicious crêpes and thoroughly entertained. Two performers operate this metal monster, whose countless moving parts interlock and rattle. Their marvellous interplay produces not only an incredibly long and delicious crêpe, but also a unique, captivating melody.
from and with
Charli Maisonabe, Laura Pirard
language
nonverbal
shows
Fri. 13.00Sat. 13.00Sun. 13.00
stage
40 | Ostpol
Etta Streicher
Ein Resistänzchen (Das Samenbomben-Manifest)
Spoken Word Performace
photo: E. A. Kretschmer
The wind rustles through the treetops; the branches sway gently. Whilst a woodpecker is pecking away at the trunk, beetles scurry for cover beneath the bark. But what does the tree actually make of being unwittingly chosen as the scene of the action? In a poetic audio performance, Etta Streicher gives these gentle giants a voice. She reads the future from the veins of the fresh leaves and instigates nothing less than a green revolution.
from and with
Etta Streicher, Pauline Dünert
duration
20 Min.
minimum age
12+
language
deutsch
shows
Thu. 20.00Fri. 16.30Fri. 17.30Sat. 12.00Sat. 13.00Sun. 17.00
stage
H | Neuland
Geboardstagskinder
It's a birthday skate!
Skateboard-Verleih
The Boardsday kids have taken over the skate ramp and made themselves at home inside a giant slice of cake! Get ready for cake slides, frosting or frontside flips – because it is a birthday every day here. You can hire skateboards and give the skate ramp a go, with or without a bit of help. The collective shares their knowledge with anyone who has not quite plucked up the courage yet. Happy Boardsday to everyone – but with cream, please!
from and with
Brettwanzen Kollektiv
minimum age
4+
shows
Thu. 14.00Fri. 10.00Sat. 10.00Sun. 10.00
stage
13 | Vor der Tube
Julian Bellini
Heinz baut
Durational Sideshow
A rope, 47 ash wood poles and a sack – a unique tower is taking shape. Pole by pole, they are inserted, braced and supported. Step by step, Julian Bellini’s structure rises upwards. During this four-hour durational performance, anyone who fancies watching the creative process unfold and simply taking a moment to slow down is welcome to join in.
language
nonverbal
shows
Sat. 12.00Sun. 13.30
stage
37 | Ostpol
Körperfunkkollektiv
Wohlstandsparadox
Radioballett
photo: Anja Schneider
Equipped with wireless headphones, the audience follows a choreographed audio tour comprising voice, sound and instructions. By moving together, social inequality becomes a physical experience: Germany is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, yet poverty, unequal opportunities and invisible privileges shape the everyday lives of many people. The performance, choreography and political reflection encourage the audience to rethink their own place in the world.
from and with
Marvin Bicko, Sebastian Slaby
duration
30 Min.
minimum age
14+
language
deutsch, englisch
shows
Thu. 19.30Fri. 11.45Fri. 17.30Sat. 17.30Sun. 14.00
stage
5 | Vorplatz Theater
Körperfunkkollektiv
EinFlussreich
Radioballett
photo: Felix Konerding
Water connects everything and lies at the heart of a wide variety of interests. The radio ballet ‘EinFlussreich’ invites the audience to follow the water’s journey together, from the atmosphere right down to the ground. The group then splits into different roles: fish, factory workers and activists encounter one another along a river, which they use, alter and defend in very different ways. Who does the water belong to?
from and with
Marvin Bicko, Sebastian Slaby
duration
30 Min.
minimum age
8+
language
deutsch
shows
Thu. 17.30Fri. 20.30Sat. 14.00Sat. 21.00Sun. 12.30Sun. 17.30
stage
5 | Vorplatz Theater
LeckiLeckiKolleki
LeckiLeckiLand
Lambe-Lambe-Theater
photo: Omayra Martinez Garzon
Come to ‘LeckiLeckiLand’ and experience entertainment to suit every taste. A flirty encounter in the Tunnel of Love? Wondrous illusions in the extravagant petting zoo? Thrills in the House of the Terribly Cheerful Clowns, or why not go all out with a game of chance? The Leipzig collective has dedicated itself to the art form of LambeLambe: miniature theatre boxes, each designed for a single person, offering a variety of short theatrical experiences.
from and with
Dana Ersing, Eva-Maria Schneider, Hannah M. Morris, Jonas Klinkenberg, Omayra Martinez Garzon, Teresa Stelzer
duration
10 Min.
minimum age
16+
language
deutsch, englisch, nonverbal
shows
Thu. 18.30Fri. 18.00Fri. 22.00Sat. 16.00Sat. 22.00Sun. 21.00
stage
3 | Neuland
mr. Image Theatre
BIG BUGS SHOW
Walkact
“Do not panic! We have got everything under control!” Huge beetles are causing a stir and mass hysteria amongst the visitors. They seem to have grown to enormous sizes by feeding on food scraps from the food stalls and are scuttling across the festival site. A forester tries to bring the situation under control. A Kafkaesque parade that has already plunged a wide variety of festivals into utter chaos – with great success.
from and with
Alekszandr Szivkov, Dion Vincken, Iva Mandick, Petar Mandick, Victor Bottenbley
duration
30 Min.
language
deutsch, englisch
shows
Fri. 15.30Fri. 19.00Sat. 15.30Sat. 19.00Sun. 11.30Sun. 16.00
stage
8 | Seebühne
Pyromancer
Pyronautisches Observatorium
Pyro-Show
photo: Paloy Piedra
The pyromancer Eddie Egal invites you to take part in a special experiment. With exquisite cocktails, a small pool and the necessary thirst for discovery, he explores a fundamental question with his inquisitive audience: could water actually catch fire after all? This entertaining play on the elements defies logic and is a warm invitation to rethink the impossible.
from and with
Eddie Egal, Melle Methanol
duration
15 Min.
language
deutsch
shows
Thu. 20.30Thu. 21.30Fri. 19.30Fri. 20.30Fri. 21.30Fri. 23.30Sat. 20.00Sat. 21.00Sat. 22.00Sat. 23.59Sun. 20.00Sun. 21.00
stage
23 | Vor Rosa Platz
Serigraphic Circus & Friends
Live Siebdruck
Siebdruck
photo: Serigrafic Circus
Bring along your favourite clothes and treat yourself to a fresh screen print for free! Add this year’s at.tension logo to your clothes in your absolute favourite colour, or choose from the lovely designs by the Bremen collective. Bring your T-shirts, jumpers or bags, and something to keep you cosy whilst queuing – Serigraphic Circus & Friends will provide the bright colours
shows
Thu. 18.00Fri. 14.00Sat. 14.00Sun. 12.00
stage
29 | Sonnendeck
Théâtre Gudule
La Frittata
Walkact
photo: M. Pelamatti
Warning! A hen and an egg have escaped from the neighbouring henhouse and are now roaming the festival grounds in search of new encounters. They inspect, peck, scratch and cluck melodiously. They subtly draw our attention to our hectic everyday lives. Trapped in their own little vicious circle of life, they too do not know where they are going, where they come from, or which came first – the hen or the egg.
from and with
Marta Pelamatti, Mehdi Pinget
duration
30 Min.
language
nonverbal
shows
Fri. 18.00Sat. 12.00
stage
3 | Neuland
The Losers Arcade
The Losers Arcade
Interaktive Spielhalle
photo: The Losers Arcade
Welcome to the big, happy family of all the losers! ‘The Losers Arcade’ is back, celebrating everyone who does not take themselves too seriously. With gripping games, blindfolded races, karaoke, cabaret and the legendary Dry Aquafit session. Forget the dog-eat-dog mentality – because whilst winners stand alone at the top, losers throw the best party together. All ages by day, adult only after 9 pm.
from and with
International Losers
language
englisch
shows
Thu. 17.30Thu. 21.30Fri. 15.30Fri. 19.00Fri. 22.30Sat. 14.00Sat. 18.00Sat. 23.30Sun. 14.00Sun. 18.30Sun. 22.00
stage
28 | Sonnendeck
The Miraculous Theatre Company
The Lil’ Trailer of Horrors
Theater / Sideshow
photo: Barnaby Gibbons
In a trailer, you will meet two characters from the southern states of the USA who are tracing their ancestors’ footsteps in Europe. To showcase his daughter Stacey’s extraordinary telepathic powers, Bub has even given up his alligator farm. As soon as you step inside the caravan, you’ll find yourself right in the middle of the Louisiana swamps. Get ready for some terrifying moments and heart-pounding thrills!
from and with
Barnaby Gibbons, Gaffy Gaffiero, Polo Laurient, Stephan Marin
minimum age
12+
language
englisch
shows
Thu. 21.00Fri. 17.00Fri. 21.00Sat. 17.00Sat. 21.00
stage
8 | Seebühne
Tiny Travel Company
Orient Espresso
Schmalspurspektakel
photo: Patrick Folkerts
Book a ticket to the past and experience the true romance of the railway! The Tiny Travel Company takes you on a nostalgic journey through time and a thrilling short ride on the miniature railway. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a piece of homemade pastry in the dining car, or take in the wonderful views from the Ostpol in first class. The team at the ‘Orient Espresso’ wishes you a pleasant journey. All aboard, please!
from and with
Patrick Folkerts
minimum age
3+
language
nonverbal
shows
Fri. 11.00Sat. 11.00Sun. 11.00
stage
41 I Ostpol
volDaan Theater
FLY
Theater / Sideshow
This dizzying space odyssey begins with a bowl of soup and hurtles straight into the unknown. Whilst in orbit, an out-of-control vacuum cleaner, a cameraman and a musician cross paths. In their multimedia mini-performance, the action can be followed from every angle. Scenes are filmed, edited and projected live. No repeats. No filters. Just a brief escape into the universe.
from and with
Daan Mathot, Tommie Freke, Vincent de Rooij
duration
15 Min.
minimum age
6+
language
nonverbal
shows
Thu. 15.00Thu. 15.30Thu. 16.00Thu. 16.30Thu. 19.00Thu. 19.30Fri. 13.00Fri. 13.30Fri. 14.00Fri. 14.30Fri. 19.00Fri. 19.30Sat. 12.00Sat. 12.30Sat. 13.00Sat. 13.30Sat. 18.30Sat. 19.00Sat. 19.30Sun. 10.00Sun. 10.30Sun. 11.00Sun. 11.30Sun. 18.00Sun. 18.30Sun. 19.00
stage
14 | Am Phi
Children's Programme
A.vontura Silent Disco Theater
Fantasietier
Interaktive Performance
photo: A.Vontura
Fantasy creatures have become rare these days – but that is all about to change! Equipped with headphones, you will head out into the great outdoors to track down your very own fabulous creature. Does it have wings, sharp spines or a shimmering rainbow coat? Daniel van den Broeke has created an interactive experience for children, in which everyone becomes part of the action. On Saturday at 12.30 pm, the performance will take place once only in English.
from and with
Daniel van den Broeke
duration
30 Min.
minimum age
4+
language
deutsch & englisch
shows
Fri. 11.00Fri. 12.30Fri. 14.00Sat. 10.30Sat. 12.30Sat. 14.00Sun. 10.00Sun. 12.00Sun. 14.00
stage
6 | Am Showertower
Benjamin Tienti
Wer schnappt Ronaldo
Lesung
photo: David Balzer
Nivin and Linus dream of making a fortune: Nivin needs the money for a room of her own, as she lives with her family in a flat that is far too small. Linus actually already has everything, but dreams of a real pony. When the two of them spot wanted posters for a runaway chameleon offering a hefty reward, they realise they must find the animal in Berlin’s urban jungle – and to do so, they will need to work together.
from and with
Benjamin Tienti
duration
60 Min.
minimum age
8+
language
deutsch
shows
Fri. 17.30
stage
Y | Triebwerke
Johanna Lindemann
Oma teilen
Bilderbuchkino
photo: Johanna Lindemann
Anna does not like sharing – and certainly not her own Granny! But when her cousin Tarek suddenly turns up at the door wanting exactly the same thing, the two of them hatch a bizarre plan: Granny is promptly split fairly in half. However, everyday life with their halved grandmother soon goes haywire. A humorous story about sharing and the realisation that everything’s much more fun together.
from and with
Johanna Lindemann
duration
45 Min.
minimum age
3+
language
deutsch
shows
Sat. 09.00
stage
Y | Triebwerke
Johanna Lindemann
Die Hochhausdetektive
Lesung
photo: Johanna Lindemann
On the roof of their high-rise block, Anton, Isha and Mesut secretly set up a detective agency – and before they know it, they are caught up in their first mysterious case. During this interactive crime reading, you will become detectives yourselves: together, you will gather clues, investigate suspects and try to solve the mystery. An exciting, interactive reading session full of humour and real detective work.
from and with
Johanna Lindemann
duration
60 Min.
minimum age
7+
language
deutsch
shows
Sat. 10.30
stage
Y | Triebwerke
Johanna Lindemann
Die Dino Detektive
Bilderbuchkino
photo: Johanna Lindemann
Who bit Puertasaurus on the bum? A tricky case for Byro, the cleverest dinosaur of the Cretaceous period. But Byro can only solve his latest case with the help of a loyal friend – because it is much easier to investigate when you work together. Get ready for a funny and action-packed detective story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. In the end, you decide for yourselves whether this prehistoric read-aloud adventure, complete with extras, will continue.
from and with
Johanna Lindemann
duration
45 Min.
minimum age
3+
language
deutsch
shows
Sun. 11.30
stage
Y | Triebwerke
Johanna Lindemann
Warum die Bremer Stadtmusikanten nie in Bremen ankamen
Lesung
photo: Johanna Lindemann
What actually happened in the robbers’ house after the robbers had disappeared? Anyone who wants to know why the Bremen Town Musicians never arrived in Bremen will find a wonderfully whimsical answer in Johanna Lindemann’s telling. With wit, pace and opportunities for the audience to join in, she turns the Brothers Grimm’s famous fairy tale on its head. A captivating and heart-warming fairy-tale session full of surprising twists.
from and with
Johanna Lindemann
duration
45 Min.
minimum age
7+
language
deutsch
shows
Sun. 13.00
stage
Y | Triebwerke
KunstHänger
Fantasiewerkstatt
Kunst zum Mitmachen
Come and have a go at this open, hands-on space. An old market trailer has been converted into a mobile art workshop, inviting you to invent and create together. Using cardboard, paints and natural materials, you can bring your own imaginary characters to life here and tell their stories. Through a playful combination of painting, crafting and building, a vibrant space for creativity is brought to life here.
from and with
Alina Wander, Caroline Koch, Joana Lieball, Laura Schumann, Lasse Pook, Simon Wander, Wiebke Seifarth
shows
Thu. 15.00Fri. 12.00Sat. 10.00Sun. 10.00
stage
34 | Hinter der Datscha
O-Team
Woanders
Objekttheater
photo: Markus Niesser
Where do those big garbage trucks actually take our rubbish? The answer is top secret and must not be revealed. Because ELSEWHERE, the rubbish creatures come to life! A giant cleaning sponge, loads of magical slime and a curious vacuum cleaner are up to no good there. The O-Team offers an exclusive glimpse into this hidden world – without words, but with colourful object theatre that lies somewhere between DIY recycling and anarchism.
from and with
Antje Töpfer, Antonia Beermann, Christoph Mäcki Hamann, Christoph Paper Blattmacher, Josef Mayerhofer, Kathrin Stärk, Lisa Ticar, Markus Niessner, Nina Malotta, Samuel Hof
duration
50 Min.
minimum age
5+
language
nonverbal
shows
Fri. 11.00Sat. 14.30Sat. 18.00Sun. 14.30
stage
G | Theater
Theater Kuckucksheim
Tanz der Tiere
Figurentheater
photo: Frederik Seeberger
One day, a fox, a hare, a raccoon and a squirrel find an old car wreck in their forest. This sky-blue Trabi suddenly turns the lives of the four unlikely friends upside down. When the wolf and a little man in the moon turn up too, a madcap adventure begins. Through acting and music, this puppet show explores the theme of coexistence and the rapid changes taking place on this planet, which are also presenting the animal world with new challenges.
from and with
Anna Wagner-Fregin, Benjamin Seeberger, Daniel Wagner, Dorothee Löffler, Frederik Seeberger, Marie Wagner, Nando Seeberger, Stefan Kügel
duration
50 Min.
minimum age
5+
language
deutsch
shows
Thu. 18.00Fri. 10.00Sat. 17.00Sat. 19.30Sun. 10.00
stage
Y | Triebwerke
Theater Zeppelin Ensemble
Drei dicke Freunde
Kindertheater
photo: Theater Zeppelin Ensemble
As the three friends – Elephant, Bear and Walrus – squeeze into the little train to go into town, the engine driver already senses the chaos that is about to unfold. But the real disaster is triggered by a tiny little bee: it flies straight into Mrs Elephant’s trunk, a massive sneeze rings out – and the train derails. A whirlwind of a play about friendship and the huge chain reactions caused by the smallest of things. Afterwards, Theater Zeppelin invites you to dress up and join in the fun.
from and with
Aaron Schridde, Felicia Grau, Lennard Crowel
duration
45 Min.
minimum age
3+
language
deutsch
shows
Sat. 10.00Sun. 10.00
stage
44 I Am See
Theater Zitadelle Puppet Company
Bei Vollmond spricht man nicht
Figurentheater
“Do not do this, do not do that!” – Princess Lora is thoroughly fed up with her father’s endless rules. Whilst the king is far too busy ruling to notice his daughter’s needs, Lora decides on the spur of the moment to break free from the confines of the castle walls. An exciting journey begins through a fairy-tale land populated by dwarves, a witch and all manner of other creatures. Lora also meets a prince, and in the end, a father gets to
from and with
Anna Wagner-Fregin, Daniel Wagner, Mechtild Nienaber, Ralf Wagner
duration
50 Min.
minimum age
5+
language
deutsch
shows
Fri. 14.00Fri. 16.00Sat. 13.00Sat. 15.00Sun. 15.00
stage
Y | Triebwerke
Théâtre Gudule
Santa Pulcinella
Figurentheater
photo: Vincent Van Utterbeeck
After centuries of laughter and open brawls in market squares, he is back: Pulcinella! He has had enough of being pushed about and, to the delight of young and old alike, brings out the big guns. A chain of unpredictable mishaps and a breakneck chase ensue. Théâtre Gudule brings this notorious figure from folk tradition back to life in an anarchic show – as funny, absurd and macabre as ever.
from and with
Marta Pelamatti, Mehdi Pinget
duration
30 Min.
minimum age
6+
language
nonverbal
shows
Thu. 18.00Fri. 12.30Fri. 14.30Sat. 15.30Sat. 17.30Sun. 12.30
stage
H | Neuland
Music Programme
Cinema / Workshops / Readings
Hanschitz & Beierer
still.interwoven
Workshop
photo: Jasper Wessel
Here, participants learn partnering, contact improvisation and basic Cyr wheel techniques. Dance and circus techniques merge in an open and playful practice that explores the relationship between people and objects. The workshop fosters body awareness, trust, creativity, and shared movement experiences. No prior experience in dance, circus arts, or the Cyr Wheel is required—just curiosity and a willingness to move together.
duration
120 Min.
minimum age
16+
language
englisch
shows
Sat. 10.00Sun. 10.00
stage
2 | Am Weidendom
Wire Walkers – Coraggio e.V. : High-wire walking balancing
High Wire Walking
Workshop
The WireWalkers offer a special workshop for all those who are brave and curious. Here, at various heights, you can try your hand at the art of tightrope walking and test your balance. Starting at a safe height of 0.5 metres, you will work your way up step by step – and sometimes surprisingly quickly – to a dizzying height of 6 metres. Experience for yourself the fascinating sensation of being a tightrope walker.
minimum age
13+
shows
Thu. 14.00Thu. 17.30Fri. 13.00Fri. 16.00Sat. 10.00Sat. 13.00Sun. 10.00Sun. 14.00
stage
34 | Hinter der Datscha