Visitors can look forward to two additional performances in April focusing on "War and Peace" featuring acting greats Johannes Krisch & Larissa Fuchs (April 23), and Klaus Maria Brandauer (April 30). Admission is free, sign up in advance to attend at: https://www.jku.at/zirkus-des-wissens, opens an external URL in a new window

The stage was free yesterday at 7:30 PM for the grand opening of the JKU’s "Circus of Knowledge"! Actress Anne Bennent (Salzburg Festival, Schiller Theater Berlin, Burgtheater) read touching and poignant diary entries written by Ukrainians in the war zone, giving the audience a very authentic and moving insight into the hard-hitting realities of war. The legendary Linz hip hop band TEXTA followed, entertaining the audience with their raw banter, social criticism, and their strong sound! Sound artist and performer Sainkho Namtchylak from Tuva made a surprise guest appearance. As a well-known musician, she has worked with the Moscow Composers Orchestra, among others. Namtchylak’s versatility, seven-octave vocal range, overtone singing technique, versatility, and talent in various musical styles (ethno, jazz, avant-garde, pop, electronic) set her apart.

Circus Director Airan Berg remarked: "The 'Circus of Knowledge' is a unique space in Europe created to support art and theater and dedicated to bringing art, science, and society together. The Circus an important part of our university’s innovative spirit. The start of the season shows that fantastic and amazing artists are eager and willing to perform in this new space created at the JKU to actively take part in important contemporary discourse together."

JKU Rector Meinhard Lukas is also very enthusiastic and added: "What a great start to the season here at the JKU’s 'Circus of Knowledge'! I hope we have made our guests and visitors curious to explore more here at this unique space of wonder and discovery. I would like to invite anyone interested to join in, help shape and design this space, and be amazed together."

Admission to the event was free. Donations were gratefully welcomed to benefit displaced Ukrainian students currently in the JKU’s (MORE program).

Two additional fundraising events will be held in April, also free of charge (kindly register in advance to attend: https://www.jku.at/zirkus-des-wissens/, opens an external URL in a new window):

• On April 23, beginning at 7:30 PM, actors Johannes Krisch (Tatort, Landkrimi, Narziss und Goldmund) and Larissa Fuchs (Theater an der Josefstadt, Berliner Ensemble) will read from "Die Kaminsky Taktik" by Christopher New. Published in 2005, the story was influenced by New’s wife Christa’s family history. Christa’s mother, the only Jewish woman living in Hallstatt during WWII, staged her suicide in Lake Hallstatt to escape the Nazis and survive. The reading will be accompanied by cellist Nikolai New (Haydn Quartet), the story protagonist’s grandson.
• On April 30 beginning at 7:30 PM, actor Klaus Maria Brandauer will read texts about war and peace, landscapes and people under the motto "Echo aus dunklen Räume", thereby concluding the opening program of events at the "Circus of Knowledge".

Additional information about the program between May and July 2022 is available at: https://www.jku.at/zirkus-des-wissens/, opens an external URL in a new window (unless otherwise stated, admission is on a voluntary “pay as you can” basis, meaning guests can contribute the amount they would like to pay).

Photos:

• Circus Director Airan Berg, Anne Bennent, TEXTA and JKU Rector Meinhard Lukas, Photo credit: Nick Mangafas
• Anne Bennent, Photo credit: Nick Mangafas
• TEXTA 1, Photo credit: Nick Mangafas
• TEXTA 2, Photo credit: Nick Mangafas
• The first set of guests, Photo credit: Nick Mangafas