Cirque Mania #18: Meet the Next

Artists	Clara Köpf, Henrike Lechler, Lena Kautz
Duration	50 min
Part of	Cirque Mania Meet The Next (1)

Our Meet the Next-series features new makers who deserve a spot on our stage. During Cirque Mania, we offer three extraordinary circusmakers – who are all fresh out of college – the chance to show a short performance.

Clara Köpf - “For me as a woman for you as people”

"For me as a woman for you as people" is a 7 min contemporary Chinese pole act that draws its inducement from gender inequality. The act is not a statement that targets the specific situation in Iran neither is literally talking about this topic. The topic rather serves as the motor of my artistic research which is very much personal and connected to my own memories and experiences. For me personally, the topic of injustice, inequality, and my identity as a woman is emotionally negatively charged. I don't only want to make a piece that portrays the negative emotional relationships that I have with this topic. On the contrary, I want to celebrate and be strong in the name of those who don't have the freedom to do so. I want to show the beauty of Iran and its people that I experienced, but also acknowledge the sadness that this topic brings up in me.

Henrike Lechler - "Passing By"

A body and an object in search of moments to send and receive potential energy.

We are always moving, our bodies transitioning through space and time, in constant exchange with the outside world. The act “Passing By” created by Henrike Lechler in 2024 is a flying pole Solo that explores this constant change. The act is a collage of past moments; memories represented on stage in one 6-minute performance. A body and an object moving through moments of gestures and meaningful images that you can find in the relation between the object and the body. The interlace between movements and visual aesthetics creates an intimate atmosphere that provides the platform to witness the original way one body and one object transition through space and time.

Lena Kautz - "Plums and T"

"Plums and T" is a juggling performance that humorously narrates the performer's memories of her grandmother.

The act “Plums and T” narrates a story about belonging. In this act, Lena deals with memories from her childhood, which bring her back to her grandmother's house and garden. There was a plum tree standing in the corner of that garden.

On stage: a carpet, a lamp, a microphone and juggling balls.

Using juggling as well as spoken text, Lena talks about those memories and how things have changed. She talks about feeling nauseous after spinning on the swing hanging from the plum tree.

My name is Clara Köpf, I am an upcoming Circus artist mainly specialized in Chinese pole. I am half German half Iranian but grew up in Germany. My circus adventure began after I injured my back doing gymnastics. My back injury led me to quit gymnastics and annoy my parents at home, having way too much energy. That’s why my brother took me with him, to a little youth circus called Circus Compostelli were I found my passion for circus. First, I was captured by training hand-balancing and later through teaching younger kids I discovered my passion for Chinese pole. The realization that I could turn my passion into a profession led me to Codarts Circus Arts, where I have spent the last four years specializing in Chinese pole, along with developing my skills as a hand balancer and acrobat.

Henrike Lechler is a circus artist specializing in the discipline flying pole. She entered the circus world being inspired by its ability to transform our reality into a surreal place.
She was attracted by the unique way the flying pole transmits energy as it moves through space and time, which has become a key aspect of her work.
She is a visual person; her mind works well with space and geometry. When she sees images she can see movements - the path a foot takes, creating lines and spirals. She uses this way of looking at movements to work on centrifugal forces with the flying pole and to create new technical material. This way of thinking and visualizing provides the foundation to create her artistic work

Lena Kautz is a circus artist from Cologne (DE) who makes text driven and humorous work. Her artistic practice is direct and relatable. To engage the audience with topics she believes are important to address Lena is using juggling technique, alongside text and scenography. Lena started juggling in a youth circus in cologne. She has then studied at Codarts Circusarts, Rotterdam and aims to continue the research initiated during that time in the coming years. Towards a more inclusive and transdisciplinary understanding of performance.

Combi tickets

Go to two shows for less money during Cirque Mania!

Friday 27 September €30,00 (instead of €35,50)
✦ Meet the Next | Fri 27 Sep - 19:00
✦ Peluda - La Campistany | Fri 27 Sep - 20:30
Buy the Friday day ticket

Saturday 28 September €32,50 (instead of €41,00)
✦ Questions to the Endless - Laurence Felber | Sat 28 Sep - 19:00
✦ DELLUSIONAL "I Killed a Man" - Diana Salles | Sat 28 Sep - 20:30
Buy the Saturday day ticket

Sunday 29 September €32,50 (instead of €41,00)
✦ Female Powers - multiple artists | Sun 29 - 14:30
✦ À mesure - Handle with care - Accompany ME | Sun 29 Sep - 16:00
Buy the Sunday day ticket