Brussels is positioning itself to be one of the main circus centers of Europe, a distinction which is only enhanced by recent growth in the sector, by its diversity and by the institutions and leaders in circus who are expanding their purview, including ESAC and Espace Catastrophe (both of whom are enlarging their facilities to accommodate). It’s no surprise then, that with such a large venture occurring, Espace Catastrophe (also the organizers of FestivalUP), worked in conjunction with Circostrada to bring the Fresh Circus#4 seminar to Brussels this March. 450 plus professionals that were in attendance the first week of the festival where organizers also announced the yearlong focus CIRCUS initiative in Brussels during 2018/2019.

The activities during Fresh Circus#4/FestivalUP ranged from professional workshops, to luncheons and tours and of course, the main events themselves, the 30 shows which took place over the 12 days of the festival, showcasing an array of international artists who were largely based in Belgium. Circus Talk was pleased to be in attendance as part of the INCAM network, participating in the Fresh Circus#4 workshops and attending shows. We have a sampling of reviews for the some of the shows we attended: Persona— Naga Collective “Do you love me”?” “Always.” “Even when I’m stupid?” “Even when I’m annoying?” “Even when I’m frustrated?” The questions echo those of many young women as they navigate their boundaries in relationships. And although Naga Collective is willing to visit these unpleasant and annoying aspects of relationships through the medium of circus, they don’t get stuck there– opting also to show the first blus...