A striking number of women, more than half of the more than a hundred circus artists, will attend the eleventh edition of Circusstad Festival (May 1-5). 'Powerful women's circus' is the theme of the eleventh edition of the leading circus theater festival in the Netherlands, which attracted around 37,500 visitors last year. One of the highlights is the second edition of it Circusstad Gala (May 3 at the new Luxor Theater). 
 
Artistic director Menno van Dyke says that women are often less represented at contemporary circus festivals. Van Dyke: “Circusstad is turning this around by presenting a large majority of female artists this year with performances that are directed by women and that address feminist themes.” 
A good example is 'Raven' by the Berlin trio Still Hungry. The challenges of modern motherhood are central to this exciting and humorous performance. The ladies of Aloft from Chicago also master the feminine touch. a highlight not to be missed for the whole family and a particularly innovative and magical circus experience. 
Or take leading lady Diana Rodrigues, who performs in one of the tents on the Schouwburgplein with two crazy guitarists in Circ’Olé, an own production of Circusstad Festival.
 
World Summit at Gala May 3
Makers and audiences will talk to each other during various Circus Talks. For example, 'Powerful Women's Circus' will be discussed on Saturday, May 4 at 11.30 am in Theater Rotterdam. One of the speakers at this Circus Talk is Camiila Pessi from the Swiss clown duo Baccalà, a world act that can be seen in the Netherlands for the first time at Circusstad Festival. Baccalà will perform during the festival and during the second edition of the Circusstad Gala, the highlight of the festival. This gala is packed with top award-winning acts from around the world at the new Luxor Theater (May 3), including Australian 'circus rock stars' from Circa who not only play at the Gala, but also in Theater Rotterdam.
 
Enter the square for free
Circusstad Festival takes place from 1 to 5 May on the Schouwburgplein and in the cultural institutions around it (Theater Rotterdam, de Doelen and Luxor Theater). There are also performances at the Maritime Museum and in the Laurenskerk. There is no fence around Schouwburgplein. Everyone is welcome to come and have a snack or a drink, take part in a circus workshop or buy tickets for the performances on site.
Sometimes what is memorable at Circusstad Festival is the story, other times the technical feats or the generous laugh. But Circusstad Festival is always that party for people of all sizes, with all their beautiful quirks, backgrounds and ages