Korzo Zaal
Cirque Mania #21: Insomnia
| Maker | Jakob Jacobsson |
| Duration | 55 min |
| Part of | Cirque Mania |
Relativity
“One moment, please!” But how long is a moment, really? In the rush of everyday life, time seems to fly, while a sleepless night can stretch a single minute into an eternity. Insomnia is a visual spectacle in which Jakob Jacobsson explores the different ways people experience time.
With aerial acrobatics, crackling strobes, and an impressive light installation, time and reality seem to merge. Suspended from a rope, Jakob balances between control and surrender while flashing light freezes his movements and the boundaries of reality dissolve further. This first solo show is contemporary, but its exploration of humanity’s complex relationship with time makes it feel timeless.
"Visually striking with a profound topic"
— Circusnext jury during the sélection de lauréates 2025
Jakob Jacobsson is a Swedish circus artist presenting his first solo, Insomnia. He is known for his versatile collaborative work and his European tours. His performances—from humorous takes on Scandinavian stereotypes to intimate explorations of regret—share one thing: they are relatable and universally human.
For Insomnia, Jakob worked with Teo Lanerva and Viivi Roiha. Viivi, a Finnish rope acrobat with an impeccable sense of material and movement, serves as artistic coach. Teo, a renowned lighting designer from Helsinki, won the Valosäde Award for his work with contemporary circus company Nuua.
Concept & Performance: Jakob Jacobsson
Artistic Coach: Viivi Roiha
Lighting Design: Teo Lanerva
Co-production: circusnext, Dynamo Workspace, Nuua Company
Support: Municipality of Rotterdam, CIRKLABO, Berlin Circus Festival, TENT, Cirqueon, WORM Rotterdam, Cirkus Kolektiv
Part of Cirque Mania #21
Ready for The Art of Opposites? Come to the 21st edition of The Hague’s only circus festival from Thursday, March 19 through Sunday, March 22, 2026.
Korzo Zaal