Circonova

Circonova: Contemporary Circus at the Edge of Brittany

Circonova is the contemporary circus festival presented by the Théâtre de Cornouaille, a national theatre in Quimper. Every year in January-February, it unfolds its program of shows across a dozen towns in Finistère, between Quimper and the rural villages of Cornouaille, creating a true circus route between town and country.

Traveling Tents in Cornouaille

Circonova's originality lies in its traveling nature. The tents move from town to town, pitching their canvases in village squares and neighborhoods. This mobility allows it to reach a diverse audience, from urban centers to rural communities, introducing contemporary circus where it doesn't usually go. Briec, Crozon, Ergué-Gabéric, Fouesnant, Penmarc'h, Pleyben, Plogonnec, Plonéis, Plozévet, Pluguffan, and Pont-l'Abbé are among the towns hosting the festival.

A Panorama of Today's Circus

Circonova's programming explores all facets of contemporary circus: acrobatics, juggling, contortion, mime, aerial dance, live music. Invited artists come from France, Brittany, and internationally — notably Morocco — and blend circus disciplines with theater, dance, music, and visual arts. Each edition highlights unique creations and emerging companies, with particular attention to female artists and new circus forms.

Circonova's Free Events

A highlight of the festival, the "weekend givré" (frosty weekend) offers free shows at the Théâtre de Cornouaille and in the Kermoysan district of Quimper. These free-access performances allow everyone to discover contemporary circus without financial barriers, in a spirit of sharing and conviviality that is at the heart of Circonova's identity.

Fifteen Years of Circus in Cornouaille

Created in 2012, Circonova celebrates its fifteenth edition in 2026. In about fifteen years, the festival has established itself as a major event for contemporary circus in Brittany, recognized by the Ministry of Culture and acclaimed by industry professionals for the quality of its programming and its exemplary territorial reach.