The Nights of Fourvière 2026: Circa opens the 80th anniversary with a moving world premiere

Lyon – May 29, 2026: To mark the 80th anniversary of Les Nuits de Fourvière, the Australian circus company Circa will take on the opening of the prestigious Lyon cultural festival for the first time. With their latest work “Revoir les étoiles,” they present an emotional world premiere that has raised great expectations among the audience. Circa has established itself as a major group with six performances at the festival over the past few years and will stage its third new work in 2026. The decision to start this commemorative program with this performance demonstrates a special respect for the poetic aesthetics and emotional depth of Australian circus art.

“Revoir les étoiles” guides the audience on a poetic journey between dream and reality. The ensemble skillfully combines dance, acrobatics, and theater in this work, creating flowing boundaries between these forms. The performance blends light, movement, and delicate musical composition to enhance an intimate atmosphere. Circa conveys a story of longing and departure with subtle gestures and powerful presence.

Les Nuits de Fourvière is known as a festival of cultural diversity and artistic innovation. Every year it brings together theater, music, dance, and circus outdoors in one place. Circa’s selection as the opening act shows the deepening respect and cooperative relationship between the group and the festival. Circa sets new standards globally with their poetic circus art.

Festival director Carole Pinet emphasized the emotional impact of Circa’s works, saying, “Their works open a space of subtle nuances and demonstrate how deeply circus art can move people.” At a time when authentic artistic language is sought, “Revoir les étoiles” offers an opportunity for a strong communal experience.

With the premiere, audiences in Lyon and beyond will experience a new facet of the festival, demonstrating that circus art is a universal language transcending generations and cultures. Circa invites audiences to see the stars anew and discover hope and memories through this work.

Although the Australian group has been invited to the festival multiple times, each premiere remains a moment of collective surprise and joy. The 80th anniversary in 2026 will be not only a celebration of tradition but also a festival of artistic renewal and discovery.

“Revoir les étoiles” also reflects the dynamism of the experimental circus scene, whose global significance has increased in recent years. Lyon confirms its role as an important stage for art that moves and inspires people beyond borders.