To mark the end of the season, on June 22 (beginning at 4:30 PM), the JKU’s Circus of Knowledge will once again take audiences into the fascinating depths of the oceans: "Fascination Sharks", a musical dance theater performance based on a new book by Michael Stavarič and Michèle Ganser and directed by Christine Maria Krenn (HELIX projects), will debut as part of the "Long Night of the Stages". Admission is donation-based. Sign up at: jku.at/zirkus.

On the heels of the spectacularly popular and successful "Fascination Octopus" (2022) and "Fascination Jellyfish" (2023), the JKU Circus of Knowledge will once again dive into the mysteries of the high seas and learn more about the guardians of our oceans: sharks. Lizzy and Jonny, the two main characters in "The Octopus" and "The Jellyfish", have some fascinating questions they want answered: Is it true that sharks can fly? Why do they never, ever eat shark fin soup? What do cows have to do with sharks, and what is a revolver jaw? Is it true that the chances of a shark attack are 1 in 11.5 million, and that a Greenland shark's heart beats only once every 10 seconds?

As part of this musical dance theater performance, director and dancer Christine Maria Krenn (HELIX projects and creator of "Faszination Krake" and "Faszination Qualle") plunges fearlessly into the depths of the ocean, inviting the audience to enjoy a musical dance theater performance featuring young dance theater members, captivating images, plenty of dance, a touch of humor, and fascinating stories.

The shark, created by Roger Titley (who has previously wowed audiences with his animal creations at Linz09 and at this year’s "Circus of Well-Being") is a special attraction.

The production is based on the new bestseller "Faszination Haie - Wächter der Meere" by Michael Stavarič and Michèle Ganser.

Performances open to the public: Saturday, June 22, 2024, beginning at 4:30 PM (world premiere as part of the "Long Night of the Stages"), as well as Saturday, June 29, 2024, beginning at 5:00 PM; Please note: There are only a few remaining tickets for both performances!

Admission to the Circus of Knowledge is donation-based. Seating is limited; please sign up in advance to attend at: www.jku.at/zirkus, opens an external URL in a new window.

There will be free performances for school classes beginning Monday, June 24, 2024. Information and performance dates are available at: https://www.jku.at/en/the-circus-of-knowledge/program/fascination-sharks/

Information about the production “Fascination Sharks”:

• Choreography, director, participant: Christine Maria Krenn (HELIX projects)
• Music: Martina Kneidinger al. Mintha
• Sound: Julius Zwirtmayr
• Scriptt/performers: Christian Scharrer, Christine Maria Krenn
• Lighting: Andreas Berhmani
• Animation & LED technics, staging: Bermo – Lichtkunst in Bewegung
• In partnership with Rafal Fresel and maker austria
  Illustrations: Michèle Ganser
• Sharks: Roger Titley