Circus is a signal word that is associated with sensational acrobatic numbers in sand-dusted rings, clown acts and animal training. But not so in the field of contemporary circus art. This has established itself as a branch based on performance, installation, acrobatics and object theater. Since 2020, the On the Edge festival in Vienna, led by Arne Mannott, has been proof of the liveliness and productivity of the scene. Central question: How can traditional circus techniques be further developed for current stage art driven by socio-political issues?
