Empire of Fools

Empire of Fools

What awaits the audience is not a classic circus program, but an allusive, contemporary take on circus traditions with clowning, tightrope walking, aerial acrobatics and juggling, all in a small and intimate setting.

No large ensemble would fit into this small format, so the ensemble consists of only four artists… And these four do everything themselves, throwing clubs, balancing on ropes, making music, dragging, building and much more. Nothing is hidden, there are no clandestine reconstructions overdubbed by clowns, and there are no predators either. At most a few very special horses… There are just these four people doing their circus – and this circus is quiet, wild, eccentric and dreamy at the same time, without any frills or glamor.

Credits:
Performers: Samuel Messerli, Andreas Muntwyler, Gerardo Tetilla and Ulla Tikka
Concept / compositions: Ensemble / Creative team
Oeil extérieur / Director: Roman Müller

This show will take place as part of the Nuit du Cirque 2024:

During the Nuit du Cirque from November 15 – 17, circus events will take place all over Europe: Visitors can expect shows, performances, creations and encounters in theaters, tents and on the street. La Nuit du Cirque is an autumn weekend that celebrates and brings to life the vitality and diversity of this art form – including in the Zirkusquartier.

Cie Roikkuva

Cie Roikkuva was founded in 2011 and is a contemporary circus company that creates its own productions, goes on tour and organizes festivals. Since 2020, the company has also been touring with its own tent to delight audiences. It also takes on directing work for other artists and groups. Ulla Tikka and Andreas Muntwyler are jointly responsible for the artistic direction and overall management. As a dynamic duo, they bring their creative visions together to conceive innovative productions and shape the company’s artistic profile.

Trailer: Empire of Fools