In doing so, the blind and visually impaired can also enjoy attending theatrical events and performances. The system debuts on March 29, beginning at 3:00 PM, with a performance of “WIR! A Solo Show”, focusing on the topic of democracy. Admission is donation-based, reserve seats at: jku.at/zirkus, opens an external URL in a new window.

In the past, and in an effort to make theater performances accessible for the deaf and hard of hearing, the JKU Circus of Knowledge engaged skilled sign language interpreters (Austrian Sign Language-ÖGS) during some of its productions. Beginning in March, the Circus of Knowledge aims to be even more inclusive and start offering audio description during selected productions. Before a scheduled performance, the Circus also invites blind and visually impaired individuals on stage to touch some of the props and speak with performers. Susanne Breitwieser, chairwoman of the Upper Austrian Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (BSVOÖ), is pleased with the new service and believes, “We can ‘see’ more together and with our ears!”

"WIR! A Solo Show"
“WIR! A Solo Show” explores the history of democracy: Where does this life of co-existence - that promises to give everyone same rights - come from and is it really true? How do we want to co-exist? Who is in charge and why?

As we explore the background stories behind these questions, we encounter people and experiences spanning all epochs, ranging from Ancient Greece and the French Revolution, to what brought about the country we live in today. And we discover one thing above all: We have to constantly reinvent and redefine who we are. A democratic society, after all, will always need heroes and heroines who will take a stand, fight for it, and keep doing so in the future. The topic couldn’t be timelier. (The performance is suitable for ages 12+).

Together with director Martina Winkel, Wels-born puppeteer and theatrical producer Andreas Pfaffenberger is behind this in-house production that premiered at the JKU Circus of Knowledge in March 2024. Pfaffenberger and Winkel have been involved in several high-profile productions at the Circus of Knowledge, including “MondTraum & PlanetenKlang”, a highly successful production about the life & times of astronomer Johannes Kepler (suitable for ages 12+).

Performances open to the publics (with audio description):
Saturday, March 29, 2025 | 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM
Donation-based admission; reserve your seat at jku.at/zirkus, opens an external URL in a new window
A podium discussion titled “Baustelle Demokratie?” will follow the performance (duration: approx. 60 minutes). The discussion will focus on democratic education and civic studies.

Podium panel:

• Claudia Fahrenwald (Austrian University of Teacher Education Upper Austria)
• Robert Hummer (Austrian University of Teacher Education Salzburg)
• Eric Amelin (head of the Müllers Freunde agency / Demokratiewerkstatt)

The discussion is a joint initiative with student representatives enrolled in the Master's degree program “Political Education”.