A Night of Magic at Circus Roncalli

Circus Roncalli [ENA] There is something almost magical about seeing Circus Roncalli’s huge tent glowing in the middle of Vienna’s Rathausplatz. For a few hours, it feels as if the busy city around you has simply disappeared. Instead, you find yourself surrounded by acrobats, clowns, music and all the excitement of the circus. As part of its 50th anniversary tour, Roncalli has brought its programme “Manege frei für morgen!” to Vienna.

This performance is combining the charm of a traditional circus with a distinctly modern spirit. The atmosphere starts before you even enter the tent. The colourful circus wagons, lights and decorations make the whole area feel like a small world of its own. There is also plenty to explore before the show, including the Roncalli Genussmeile, where eight food stands offer Austrian and international specialities.

Once you take your seat inside the tent, the real show begins. The performers fill the ring with everything from acrobatics and aerial acts to illusion, juggling and comedy. Justin Philadelphia impresses on the Flying Pole, while Demian Gritsko and his team perform on the Russian Swing and high bar. Duo Vitalys brings impressive hand-to-hand acrobatics, and Pavel Valla Bertini performs on the unicycle. There are also acts from Trio Rêve, Venice Carnival, Duo Hair Suspension and ring juggler Geraldine Philadelphia.

The clowns are an important part of that atmosphere. Housch Ma Housch, Gensi, Canutito Jr., Kevinski and Professor Wacko provide plenty of comedy throughout the evening, giving the audience a chance to laugh between the more spectacular performances. There is also plenty of room for visual spectacle. Alexandra Saabel & Company bring illusion to the ring, while Lili Paul-Roncalli performs a contortion act. The Roncalli Ballet adds dance to the production, and the Roncalli Royal Orchestra provides the live musical soundtrack.

That combination is one of the things that makes Roncalli stand out. It never feels like you are simply watching one circus act after another. The music, costumes, lighting, comedy and acrobatics all come together to create something that feels almost like a theatrical performance. And despite celebrating its 50th anniversary, Roncalli does not seem interested in simply looking back at its history. “Manege frei für morgen!” captures that idea well: the show keeps the traditions that have made Roncalli famous, while also showing that there is still room to experiment with what a modern circus can be. Roncalli itself describes the anniversary programme as a step towards the future rather than simply a “best of” show.