Bitte schön is a satire about the absurdity of contemporary circus
Two retired fake rappers Two circus artists Zero retirement plans
Bitte schön is a 30-minute circus performance about what happens when your profession becomes your identity.
When the thing you have dedicated your life to becomes impossible. Why do artists continue making art when the conditions become increasingly difficult? Why does circus constantly reinvent itself? Is circus sport? Is it art?
Or have we created something wonderfully strange? Blurring the boundaries between circus, performance, sport and music, Bitte schön follows two artists who keep searching for new reasons to continue. The performers compete, celebrate, fail, dream and persist. The show embraces the absurdity of the artistic profession while celebrating the deep love and devotion that keeps artists moving. Because despite shrinking budgets, uncertain futures and the endless pressure to justify our existence, there is one thing we cannot retire from:
our love for circus. A circus love letter for those who refuse to retire: 30 min / no spoken language / touring format
COMMUNITY PROJECT The premiere of Bitte schön takes place in assisted living homes in Berlin in July 2026, bringing contemporary circus into spaces where it is rarely experienced. The project explores circus as a shared human experience — not only as a performance to be watched, but as a moment of connection, curiosity and exchange.
FORMAT & TOURINGBitte schön is designed as a compact and highly adaptable performance. Duration: 30 minutes Language: No spoken language Performers: 2 Touring format: 2 suitcases Setup: Minimal technical requirements Suitable for: theatres, festivals, community spaces, care homes, unconventional venues, outdoor and indoor settings
CREATION TEAM
Co-director and artist on stage: Inka Pehkonen Finnish circus artist and artistic director, working with contemporary circus, Washington trapeze, handstands and physical theatre. Founder of Sisus Sirkus and co-founder of Based on Kimberly.
Co-director and artist on stage: Imogen Huzel Circus artist and performer based in Berlin. Co-founder of Based on Kimberly, working across circus, performance and physical theatre.
Music: Ortansia Rhastoni Original music composed for Bitte schön, creating the sonic world between circus performance, rap culture and theatrical atmosphere.
Outside eye: Marc Oosterhoff Artistic support and outside eye during the creation process.
SUPPORT: Bitte schön was created in 2026 with the support of:
Berlin Circus Festival Residency support and project funding
