International Contemporary Circus Festival “Cirkuliacija” is returning with a bold shift: moving into the autumn season, expanding its geographical reach, and inviting audiences on a journey through artistic experiences and creative expressions.
Running from October 30 to November 16, the 2025 edition of the festival embraces the theme “Comebacks (and Discoveries)”, bringing back artists who have previously been part of “Cirkuliacija”. This time, they return with entirely new works that reflect their evolving artistic paths. The international programme not only introduces new forms of contemporary circus but also offers audiences a deeper connection with the artists, inviting a fresh perspective on contemporary circus as a living, ever-changing art form.
This year’s lineup features troupes from Canada, Belgium, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Latvia, and Lithuania, who will perform in eight cities across Lithuania – from the capital to regional centers – staying true to the festival’s core idea: to bring contemporary circus closer to everyone.
Returning to Lithuania are Arno Ferrera and Gilles Polet (Belgium), a duo that captivated audiences in Kaunas in 2022. This year, they present “Armour”, a highly physical acrobatic performance exploring masculinity. The piece provokes our understanding of relationships, tenderness and toughness, and the various forms and expressions of love.
Also returning are Swedish artists Louise Bjurholm von Euler and Henrik Agger, with a family-friendly show titled “två” (“Two”), which will travel across the country, evoking childhood memories for audiences of all ages.
A few years ago, audiences packed the venue to see Eliška Brtnická from the Czech Republic. This time, she presents her meditative work “Thin Skin” at Smokes factory (Dūmų fabrikas) in Vilnius – a visual and circus-based piece blending physical performance and artistic reflection.
“The theme of this year’s “Cirkuliacija” is “Comebacks (and Discoveries)”. We’re welcoming back artists who have previously performed at the festival, now returning with new works. This approach deepens our understanding of the contemporary circus scene and the creative paths of established artists”, – explains Gildas Aleksa, the festival’s Artistic director, – “By focusing not only on the performances but also on the artists themselves, we want to offer audiences a broader perspective – beyond a single show.”
This autumn’s lineup also features “How A Spiral Works”, awarded Best Contemporary Performance of the 2023–2024 Season at the Latvian Dance Awards, as well as new works from Lithuanian contemporary circus creators “Kanta Company”, “būda.collective”, and “Teatronas”.
One of the highlights of this year’s program will be “Play Dead”, performed at Arts Printing House (Menų spaustuvė) in Vilnius by the Canadian troupe “People Watching”. This dynamic, physical, and visually rich performance is a playful, poetic exploration of human behavior, celebrating the absurdities of daily life and reminding us to enjoy it.
“This young troupe is made up of artists who have already performed with some of the world’s most renowned companies. Now they’ve come together to create something of their own – distinctive and fresh. Their popularity is growing rapidly, and they’re performing at some of the world’s top festivals. We’re thrilled that “Cirkuliacija” is now part of their tour”, – adds Aleksa, encouraging audiences not to miss this performance.
For the first time, the festival will also include a visual component: a photography exhibition by Donatas Ališauskas, capturing the physical techniques, emotions, and movement dynamics of contemporary circus artists. This visual narrative complements the live stage experience.
The festival’s professional program will offer a space for deeper dialogue. In partnership with Naujoji Vilnia Culture Centre, organizers will host a discussion on the distribution and reception of contemporary circus in Lithuania’s regions, along with an open seminar on Scandinavian circus dynamics and its unique development.
International contemporary circus festival “Cirkuliacija: Comebacks and Revelations”, 30th of October – 16th f November, 2025 in Alytus, Anykščiai, Kaunas, Palanga, Prienai, Tauragė, Vilnius and Naujoji Vilnia.
Organized by contemporary circus platform “Teatronas”, activities are financed by the Lithuanian Council for Culture, the festival is co-financed by the Vilnius City Municipality and the programme Initiatives for Kaunas.
The programme: www.cirkuliacija.lt. Tickets available at bilietai.lt.
Information prepared by “Teatronas”
