WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13
17:00–18:00 – Discussion on the “Contemporary” in Contemporary Circus (Arena)
A conversation exploring what makes circus “contemporary” today.
12:00–13:30 – IF Circus Workshop: “Knitting Memories” (Vērmanes Garden)
A workshop for women aged 60 and over, involving collaborative rope knitting and storytelling. No knitting experience needed. Advance registration will be required. Participation is free. Stories shared during the workshop will be featured in the performance “Melic.”
18:30 – Opening Ceremony
The official festival opening – a warm welcome, introduction of the program and guests.
19:00 – Federico Menini “LLAR” (Rīgas cirks)
“LLAR” (Catalan for “home”) is a visually evocative circus performance where a juggler balances wooden elements to build his shelter. The show explores our roots and relationship with the spaces we inhabit. Followed by a conversation with the artist.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14
17:00 – CircRodini “The Amazing Katleen” (Rīgas cirks Technical Courtyard)
This show revives forgotten circus traditions, giving them a modern breath. It honors the role of women and mothers in the circus, revealing both strength and tender vulnerability. The performance invites us to pause and embrace imperfection as a part of beauty. Followed by a conversation with the artist.
18:00 – Cie One Shot “One Shot!” (Vērmanes Garden)
An intense, musical show featuring acrobatics, axe throwing, and Chinese pole in a flawlessly choreographed spectacle. Belgian duo Maxime Dautremont and Foucauld Falguerolles prove that sometimes in life, you only get one shot – and they take it. Followed by a conversation with the artists.
19:00 – Federico Menini “LLAR” (Arena)
A second chance to see this captivating circus meditation on home – not only as a physical space but also as a metaphor. Followed by a conversation with the artist.
20:00 – IF Circus “Melic” (Vērmanes Garden)
“Melic” (Catalan for “navel”) is an ethereal meditation on the ties that bind us. Handcrafted ropes and physical performance form a poetic dialogue. Audience and performers together explore themes of support and belonging, gradually weaving them into a shared experience. Followed by a conversation with the artists.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15
17:00 – CircRodini “The Amazing Katleen” (Rīgas cirks Technical Courtyard)
Another opportunity to see this tribute to circus heritage and feminine resilience. Followed by a conversation with the artist.
18:00 – Cie One Shot “One Shot!” (Vērmanes Garden)
Encore performance of this adrenaline-filled duet showcasing perfect timing, physicality, and bold risk-taking. Followed by a conversation with the artists.
19:00 – Roman Škadra “Absurd Hero” (Arena)
A witty and aesthetically sharp contemporary circus performance inspired by Albert Camus. It questions what it means to, like Sisyphus, endlessly wrestle with one’s burden – symbolized by a large red ball. The artist attempts to define his relationship with this weight. Followed by a conversation with the artist.
20:00 – IF Circus “Melic” (Vērmanes Garden)
Second performance of this poetic exploration of human connection through handmade ropes and movement. Followed by a conversation with the artists.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16
12:00–13:00 – Riga Circus School Students’ Showcase (Vērmanes Garden)
13:00 – Collective performance “Running Away with the Circus” (Vērmanes Garden)
A new generation of Latvian circus and stage artists – Elīna Konrade, Betija Krolle, Roberts Aubēns, Ketija Jurčenko, Andris Zeļonka, and Emīls Zenne – look at Latvia’s circus past and reflect on their personal journeys to explore why the idea of “running away with the circus” remains so compelling today. Followed by a conversation with the creative team.
15:00 – Roman Škadra “Absurd Hero” (Arena)
A witty and aesthetically sharp contemporary circus performance inspired by Albert Camus. It questions what it means to, like Sisyphus, endlessly wrestle with one’s burden – symbolized by a large red ball. The artist attempts to define his relationship with this weight. Followed by a conversation with the artist.
18:00 – Work-in-progress showings by Lelde Feldmane and Maija Sukute (Rīgas cirks)
Presentation of new creative projects in progress. Followed by a conversation with the artists.
21:00 – Juan Carlos Panduro “Salar la pena” (Rīgas cirks)
A hybrid of circus and poetry by European new circus talent Juan Carlos Panduro. Using handstands, contortion, and voice, he explores failure, loss, desire, and the delicate line between the sacred and the monstrous. A finalist of this year’s circusnext platform. Followed by a conversation with the artist.
22:00 – Closing Party (Zirgu Stallis)
Music. Celebration. Joy.
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