After a successful pilot in 2024, 4 professional circus artists and 4 players with an intellectual disability will work in duos this year with disciplines such as Cyr wheel, (aerial) acrobatics and juggling. Their dreams and ideas form the basis for the content of the performances that we present to the festival audience in 2 sets.

Each duo has created something extraordinary for you in their own unique way. Driven by dreams, ideas and a shared passion for the stage, they have pushed their boundaries, taken on challenges and ventured into unknown territory. In just 15 intensive sessions, they have not only discovered each other, but also the versatility of the circus. From this journey of exploration, a special act has emerged. Everyone deserves to chase their dreams, enter the stage and be amazed by what is possible when you dare to discover yourself. Let yourself be surprised by:

Lotte Sterringa (28) & Sharoma Dhoen (26) 
Sharoma exudes courage and fun at Theater Babel, where her passion for singing and theater gives her wings—literally, because she discovered her love for flying at the circus. Lotte dances and spins in a big wheel, a journey that started at Circus Rotjeknor and made her a true circus artist. Together they bring an act in which daring and elegance embrace each other.

Luc van Lieshout (21) & Ray Cardoze (32)
Luc is a born artist. Circus, dance and music flow effortlessly into each other when he is on stage. Ray grew up in the colorful culture of Curacao and found in the circus a way to tell stories and connect people. Their act is a fusion of movement, expression and musical energy.

Johan Boekhout (59) & Liza van Brakel (30)
Johan is not held back by his fear of heights and seeks adventure in the circus, with a dream of one day becoming a circus director. Liza found her passion at the age of eight and has since been fascinated by juggling and object manipulation. Together they create a game between music and movement, where rhythm and circus art meet.

Jasper Brückner (23) & Ivar van Woenzel (25)
Jasper is athletic, eager to learn and always looking for new challenges. Ivar combines acro dance with balance and partnering, bringing images to life through movement. Their act is a powerful interplay of dynamics and storytelling, taking the audience on a visual and physical journey of discovery.

PROGRAM:
BUITENGEWOON 1: Lotte & Sharoma + Luc & Ray
Wednesday April 30 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Schouwburgplein – Arena
Friday May 2 12:30 – 13:00 | Theater Rotterdam – Erker
Sunday May 4 13:45 – 14:45 | Theater Rotterdam – Erker

BUITENGEWOON 2: Johan & Liza + Jasper & Ivar
Thursday May 1 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Schouwburgplein – Arena
Saturday May 3 12:00 – 12:30 | Schouwburgplein – Arena
Sunday May 4 13:45 – 14:45 | Theater Rotterdam – Erker

CIRCUSSTAD TALK:
On Friday, May 2, there will also be a Circusstad Talk about Extraordinary at 11:00 am. 
During this talk, the stakeholders and artists share experiences and insights: why do we do this, what are the challenges and what does it yield? Attendees are challenged to think about co-creation, representation within a professional context and the future of inclusive circus. Together we shape the circus field. The talk will be followed by a performance by the ‘Buitengewoon’ artists.
(This talk is spoken in English.)