MEMORY - Wiener Zirkus im Nationalsozialismus
creation 2020-2021
in collaboration with TRAP-Circus Center Vienna
supported by SHIFT – Basis Kultur Wien and Bezirk Simmering, Wien
memory is a project between historical research, holocaust remembrance culture and circus art. we uncovered live stories of circus artists who were either persecuted by or active in resistance against national socialism in austria. the gathered information was displayed in an exhibition at trap – circus center vienna. additionally they inspired a walk to the historical sites we connected to the circus artists in which contemporary artists showed site-specific performances about the lives and works of these artists.
memory deals with the fates of circus artists in Vienna during National Socialism.
the circus was probably the most important form of entertainment in the middle of the 20th century. with its wide-ranging program between high and popular culture. it offered distraction and education for social classes. the exotic performances fitted perfectly into the culture of the glitzy 1920s, the spectacular physical performances of the artists just as well to the world view of the National Socialism. circus artists and their performances became utilised for propaganda purposes, but the artists themselves often persecuted because of their origin. most fled, some organised resistance, many were deported and murdered in concentration camps. others saw the regime’s attention as an opportunity for a career and supported it. there were up to 22 permanently installed circus buildings in Vienna before the Second World War, all of which were destroyed during it.