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With heart and charm
Darmstadt's Varieté Extra stands for expressive artistry paired with distinctive characters full of heart and charm. At the Bessunger Knabenschule cultural center in Darmstadt, it presents an engaging evening brimming with a feel-good factor.
Varieté Extra has already achieved cult status among Darmstadt audiences. Since 2000, more than 1,000 spectators have attended the performances annually at the Bessunger Knabenschule cultural center. Special attention is paid to the individuality and charisma of the artists and their performances when selecting the acts. In addition to highlights from acrobatics and contemporary circus, the program also features interactive street theater artists.
Varieté Extra Darmstadt has earned a strong reputation in the international arts scene. The enthusiastic Darmstadt audience, in particular, contributes to a unique atmosphere. A special focus is placed on nurturing young artists, with several emerging talents integrated into the program each year. The professional setting provides them with the opportunity to shine in front of an audience and gain valuable performance experience.
This year's participants include:
Robert Wicke (Dropbert) – Moderator
He surprises with heartwarming humor, swirling balls, and fantastic beatbox sounds. He celebrates subtle everyday vignettes almost without words. Robert Wicke also hosted the "Feuerwerk der Turnkunst" (Fireworks of Gymnastics) and Circus Roncalli. Video: www.dropbert.com
Fenja Barteldres – Cyr Wheel
She uses her Cyr wheel in a novel way. Perfection is questioned, and so her apparatus is sometimes strangely bent, sometimes as flexible as a snake, and sometimes disassembled into its individual parts. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Circus Arts from Codarts in Rotterdam and was a Silver Star winner at the International Young Stage Festival 2024. Video: www.youtu.be
Niklas Bothe – vertical rope & hula hoop
He astonishes with contortions at dizzying heights, daring drops on the vertical rope, and manipulations with hula hoops. He is a graduate of the State School of Artistic Performance in Berlin and has performed at venues including the GOP and Schmidt Theater in Hamburg. Video: www.vimeo.com
Anita Bertolami – Puppet Theatre
Anita Bertolami creates a poetic journey of the imagination. With very simple means, she transforms her own body from one character to the next. Anita Bertolami performs primarily in public spaces, including at the Just for Fun Street Theatre Festival Darmstadt 2022. Video: www.youtu.be
Canavaltwins – juggling & live music
They combine live music and innovative LED technology with masterful juggling. A clapping vibe is guaranteed! The Canavaltwins graduated from the State School of Artistic Performance in Berlin and have performed with Breakin' Circus and GOP Variety, among others. Video link: www.vimeo.com
Gabriela Schwab Veloso – Aerial Silk
She captivates audiences with perfect body control and Brazilian joie de vivre on the aerial silks. A spectacular blend of grace, expressiveness, and boundless energy! The Brazilian native has lived in Darmstadt since 2020 and has performed at venues including the Darmstadt State Theatre and the Just for Fun Express 2023.
Artistic direction
Iris Daßler and Rainer Bauer are key figures in Darmstadt's independent arts scene. For 30 years, they have been developing and organizing events in the fields of variety and street theater, including the Just for Fun Street Theater Festival Darmstadt, which takes place in the summer and attracts over 6,000 visitors. They consistently succeed in bringing renowned international artists, as well as emerging talents, into their productions.
