Powerful women at 11th edition of Circusstad Festival

A striking number of women, more than half of the more than 100 acts, are performing at the eleventh edition of Circusstad Festival between 1 and 5 May. 'Powerful women in circus' is therefore the theme of the eleventh edition of the Netherlands' leading circus theatre festival, which last year attracted some 37,500 visitors.

Circusstad Festival takes place from 1 to 5 May on Schouwburgplein and in the cultural institutions around it (Theater Rotterdam, de Doelen and Luxor Theater). There will also be performances at the Maritime Museum and the Laurenskerk. There is no fence around Schouwburgplein. Everyone is welcome to come and have a snack or drink, take part in a circus workshop or buy tickets for the performances on site.

Majority of female performers

Artistic director Menno van Dyke knows that women are also still often less represented at contemporary circus festivals. Van Dyke: "Circus City is turning this around by presenting a vast majority of female performers this year with performances directed by women that address feminist themes."

A good example is Raven by Berlin trio Still Hungry. The challenges of modern motherhood are at the heart of this exciting and humorous performance. The ladies of Aloft from Chicago provide a particularly innovative and magical circus experience. Makers and audiences engage with each other during various Circus Talks. For example, 'Powerful Women's Circus' will be discussed on Saturday 4 May at 11.30 am in Theatre Rotterdam.

One of the speakers at this Circus Talk will be Camiila from Swiss clown duo Baccalà, a world-renowned act that is performing in the Netherlands for the first time. Baccalà will perform at the festival and at the second edition of the Circusstad Gala, the highlight of the festival full of award-winning top acts from around the world at the new Luxor Theatre on 3 May.

Cover photo: Jonah Harnischmacher