Giroldon Circus, Piazza Catrina

What is probably Europe’s smallest circus is stopping in Disentis.

They set out from their home base in the canton of Ticino in Switzerland. They are a

couple of actors and clowns, and their circus is called GiroldÒn, “the smallest in Europe.” From the southern Pre-Alps, where they are well known to young and old alike, they set out every year for various European countries. The uniqueness—and perhaps even the defining characteristic—of the Giroldon Circus is what leads people to describe it as a “chamber circus” and “artisanal.” It’s called a chamber circus because of the grace of its intentions and the nature of its performances. It’s artisanal because the two natural-born artists single-handedly create not only the script and dialogue but also the direction and choreography of their own shows. But if only that were all! All by themselves, they arrange their engagements; all by themselves, they transport themselves to the venue (along with the circus tent, equipment, and all their inventory); they set up the ring themselves, sell the tickets themselves, and assign seats to the audience. Lenka and Alberto are by no means “activists” for humanity or any ideology. They remain dedicated clowns who keep a circus running. Their art lies in eliciting laughter, surprising audiences with unexpected twists and disguises, and creating suspense through daring, precise acrobatic and theatrical acts. That which is indefinable—this powerful human presence—is perhaps the result of their deep, craft-based identification with their work, which they possess in abundance and which ensures a possible—and today necessary—overcoming of banality and the exhausting consumption of boredom.”

Dates and times: Tuesday, July 28 / Wednesday, July 29 / Friday, July 31, at 5:00 p.m. each day in the piazza of the Catrina Resort, right next to the mountain railways