A conference about the chaotic History of Circus Arts given by an equally chaotic master. What could possibly go wrong? Get ready for a masterclass on hidden histories, from parade to pandemonium.
On stage: a table, a blackboard and a professor-clown with the knack for finding magnificent meaning in the most insignificant details. The history of circus is a story of danger and courage. It’s the story of the journey to find one’s place, of our need to come together and experience something out of the ordinary. It’s the story of the death-defying act of being together. The history of circus is ultimately the story of love. What a lesson!
Circus, a resolutely “undisciplined” art form, reflects society; sometimes welcomed, sometimes banished, the circus ring has always landed on the margins of cities. This haywire seminar is about meandering through the margins, following a tangent, going the wrong way, and ending up in the center of the ring.
In this comic solo for one idiot and a table, Gulko—a clown, director and real life teacher—performs what he calls “zen-anarcho-surrealism,” creating shows that range from the monumental to the very solitary. His french circus company, Cahin-Caha, was founded in 1998 and is internationally renowned for its wacky, irreverent style.
SUNDAY, MAY 25, 7 PM
FringeArts
140 N. Columbus Blvd,
Philadelphia, PA 19106
TICKETS
GA $30
Recommended for all ages
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Produced by Cahin-Caha
Conceived, written and performed: Gulko
Outside eyes: HARRY HOLTZMAN, SKY DE SELA
Costumes: VIRGINIE BREGER
Technical assistance: Julien Frenois
Thanks: Jules Beckman
ABOUT CAHIN-CAHA
Cahin-Caha (created 1998), self-defined as “mongrel circus” – hybrid, smart and playful – has the mission of provoking new relations between cultures and diverse forms of expression – circus, dance, theatre, visual arts, video and literature. Cahin-Caha since 1999 is : 14 major creations; over 500 performances in France, Europe, Asia et America; 171 artist-collaborators and 140 000 spectators that have shared our unique way of play. Cahin-Caha brings together never seen before circus inventions, polyphonic voice work, vertical dance and dervish whirling.
Cahin-Caha works outside codes, in a circus of investigation, deconstructing objects in their constituent parts, questioning our manners, our hearts, our fears. Cahin-Caha touches the essence of circus: dangerous, courageous, sensual, overwhelming. Cahin-Caha strives to privilege contemporary creation and offers diverse forms of multidisciplinary shows on stages, in tents, on the street, varying from highly scenographic acrobatics to trashy clown, for audiences both young and old. In 25 years of activity, Gulko, artistic director, has fashioned the company’s particular identity by developing a “mongrel” style: mixed, irreverent, lyrical and dense.
Today the company continues to develop the link between local and international through research laboratories. Its commitment to contemporary artistic research allows close collaboration with artists, companies, schools and festivals of other countries, and the creation of satellite projects with artists of the company. This commitment is reflected in a special relationship to research and innovation as essential elements in the development of performance.
Gulko sees the time set aside for research, writing, and meetings on a human level as a vital necessity to bringing out original circus works, that are more mobile, more flexible and open to new audiences, breaking down the walls between genres and audiences.
The company is regularly supported by the Ministry of Culture through the Direction régionale des affaires culturelles de la région PACA, the French Institute, the City of Marseille, the Provence Regional Board of Culture and by the Conseil Général des Bouches du Rhône.
ABOUT GULKO
GULKO – author, director, choreographer, clown
Gulko is the artistic director of the radical circus company Cahin-Caha based in France.
Guest teacher at Stockholm University of the Arts, and Artistic Director of Stockholm Cirkus Gymnasiet (2021-2024). Twice associated artist at the “Centre National des Arts du Cirque” (2004-2005 & 2007-2008) where he founded the Nomadic Creation Lab(LACRIMAE) project for international research in circus. He has led research projects in France, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland with the companies Cirkus Cirkör, Cirk Laputyka, Circo Aero and others. Also associated at The Fine Arts Academy of Aix-en-Provence (FR); the National Arts Academy of Brno –JAMU (CZ), Codarts University, Rotterdam (NL); and DOCH University Stockholm (SE) where he directed the graduating performances. Supported by the BNP-Paribas Foundation (1999-2005). Secretary on the board of trustees for “Jeunes Talents Cirque Europe”, and member of the Board of Directors of Cirkus Syd (SE).
American born, this polyglot polydisciplinary wanderer has spanned 5 continents in creative mayhem. Gulko spent the 80’s in Québec navigating between experimental and street performance, political art and modern rituals. Based in France since 1993, founding member and stage director of the circus collective « Pocheros » from 1993 to 1997. Clown and dancer, he has collaborated with: Mimes Omnibus, Tangente & Cirque du Soleil (CAN); Ctibor Turba & les Frères Forman (CZ); Meredith Monk & Keith Hennessy(USA) and Jiyu Geki Jyo (JAP); Arthur H. & Cie. Anomalie (FR).
“I work in the area between experimental circus, ritual theatre and body art. In order to be (not) precise, I name it ‘Zen-anarcho-surrealism’.” — Gulko
See More Circus!
The Philadelphia Contemporary Circus Festival (PCCF) runs May 23 - June 1, 2025, featuring artists from Philly's vibrant contemporary circus community as well as ground-breaking artists from across the nation and beyond. These contemporary circus artists defy limitations, reimagine what’s possible, and create breathtaking moments of connection for audiences of all ages. Don't miss thrilling shows that blend acrobatics, dance, theater, and storytelling to push the boundaries of performance.
SUPPORT
The Philadelphia Contemporary Circus Festival is supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.
