Since 2017, BUTIÖR has been organizing ShortCuts—short presentations of new theater projects in public spaces—as part of the supporting program of the International Freiburg Culture Exchange (IKF).
This is a presentation and networking platform. Actors in the genre, whether artists or organizers, present their new projects and productions for public spaces in short presentations lasting five minutes each. The focus is on promoting theater in public spaces in Germany, showcasing the diversity of the art form, and offering (young) artists an opportunity to present their work.
Over the years, the format has become established and is often used to gain an overview of what is currently happening on the scene and to make contacts.
Zirkus ON | Zirkus ONstage
Link to YouTube video: Zirkus ON Kreationsbündnis - 2022
To the homepage: Zirkus ON | ZIRKUS ON
Zirkus ON is the creative alliance for circus arts in and from Germany.
With Zirkus ONstage, the creative alliance for circus arts presents two circus creations from the latest Zirkus ON editions to a German and international professional audience.
These groups of artists were selected by a jury of experts and accompanied for two years by the Zirkus ON creative alliance with mentoring, residencies, presentations, knowledge transfer formats, and networking. Zirkus ONstage is the final format of the creative program and builds a bridge between creation and distribution.
Zirkus ONstage presents two curated circus projects that are ready to tour: still.interwoven by Hanschitz & Beierer (6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Central Foyer) and Lasterhaft by La Tanik (6:50 p.m. – 7:35 p.m., Hall 3).
THREE BODIES, ONE CYR WHEEL - AND A WEB OF RELATIONSHIPS.
In still.interwoven, three performers use the Cyr Wheel in a dense physical mesh to explore how cohesion is created, when it breaks - and how we can forge new connections between us.
Together with the audience - and accompanied by live electronic music - a physical and poetic narrative about closeness, trust, dependency and the constant negotiation of relationships unfolds. Somewhere between contemporary dance choreography, cyr-wheel artistry and object manipulation.
still.interwoven is a reduced, intensely physical short piece for open-air stages. The piece is particularly suitable for formats that enable encounters between art and the public.
On her purple 7.5-tonne truck, La Tanik stages a powerful solo blending circus, theatre and autofictional comedy. With sharp humour, a horde of trained hula hoops, cucumbers and the ideal co-driver, she brings the life of a travelling artist to the stage – raw, direct, absurd and full of balancing acts. The truck is stage, home and co-performer all at once. A production that activates spaces and creates encounters. Technically self-sufficient thanks to solar power, for public spaces. On the one hand, it stands in a centuries-old tradition, on the other, it is a contemporary and emancipated form of the travelling circus life. A one-woman travelling stage that writes its own story.
La Tanik is a circus artist, cultural educator and street theatre maker who has been living on wheels for over 20 years. Currently in the halls of the IKF.
Sören Diabolista – Diabolo-Dance
Sören started breakdancing at a young age at the UFA Fabrik Berlin. He completed his training at the State School of Artistry in Berlin in the summer of 2025 and went on to win a special prize at the International Jugglers' Festival in Koblenz. He has toured in France and Chile, among other places, and has performed in the Friedrichsbau Varieté in the shows “Ballroom” and “Reflection.” His combination of breakdancing and diabolo promises energy and dynamism.
Walid Merhi – energetic juggling with balls and Frisbees
He first came into contact with the performing arts at the age of 14 in the youth circus in Bochum. During his training at the State School of Artistry in Berlin, he had numerous opportunities to present his act on international stages, including at “Cimac” in Chile. His current act is a sensual yet energetic juggling performance with balls and Frisbees.
Mika Schliemann - Magic
At just 19 years of age, Mika captivates his audience with his charming personality and modern magic. As a member of the Magic Circle Germany, he performs thrilling tricks, tells touching stories, and provides humorous moments. When reality becomes illusion, unforgettable moments are created.
Sebastian & Flurina – Chinesischer Mast
One pole, two people, one heart. Sebastian & Flurina from Berlin are a brand new and extraordinary duo on the Chinese pole. Far removed from old images and movement patterns, the two have built their own world, full of synergy, playfulness, and passion. Sometimes synchronized, sometimes contrasting, they perform breathtaking figures without ever losing their own unique rhythm.
Jasper Deininger – contemporary circus/aerial straps
The circus artist completed his training at the Berlin School of Circus Arts in 2020. On stage, everything revolves around his aerial straps. He doesn't work with two straps, but with three! This third level opens up new playful possibilities for him and at the same time leads him into situations that are unusual for classic straps. Jasper currently lives in the south of France and performs in numerous productions across Europe.
Nina Trettau – Cyr-Wheel
The expressive Cyr wheel artist Nina enchants audiences with her elegance, body control, and keen sense of aesthetics. She trained at the State School of Artistry in Berlin and captivates audiences with her calm and elegant performances. Body tension, acrobatics, and dance-like movements set the Cyr wheel swinging. Together with her partner Sofia, she presents a modern cube artistry act.
Daria Rupp – Hairhanging
Hair hanging is a traditional and highly demanding acrobatic discipline. Suspended in the air by her hair alone, Jana combines impressive physical control, balance, and strength with a calm, meditative aesthetic. The flowing transitions and precise movements create an atmosphere of concentrated silence and inner clarity. “Hair Hanging Meditation” is a visually and emotionally captivating experience.
Jana Vogel - Luftring
Interesting, appealing, and extravagantly rocking—the aerial hoop performance blends strong emotions with dynamic elements, quiet moments with rocking power. In addition to the aerial hoop, Jana Vogel also presents pole dancing, contact juggling staff, handstands, contortion, and modern dance. Interesting, appealing, and extravagantly rocking – in her aerial hoop performance, strong emotions merge with dynamic elements, quiet moments with rocking power.
Alexander Merk - Hosting & Magic
The German champion of magic was recently voted one of the world's top 10 magicians at the World Championships in Blackpool. The Berlin native tells magical, imaginative stories and gives his audience something that is often lacking in our fast-paced society: wonder. Whether at a corporate event, in a variety show, or on the big stage, Alexander Merk puts on a show full of magic and well-told lies!
