Inspiration for Contemporary Circus Artists.
Mummenschanz is one of the most influential visual theatre companies in the world, known for its poetic, non verbal performances, innovative use of costume and movement patterns.
Founded in Switzerland in the early 1970s the company transformed contemporary theatre by eliminating spoken language and focusing instead on form, rhythm and imagination. This approach continues to inspire circus artists and physical performers today.
A Global Breakthrough in Non-Verbal Performance
Between 1972 and 1981, Mummenschanz rose rapidly on the international stage. After touring Europe, the company was invited to the United States in 1973, where a short visit turned into several years of performances across major cities. From 1977 to 1980, Mummenschanz held a long run on Broadway, introducing wide audiences to a new kind of theatre communicated entirely through movement and visual transformation.
Appearances on major television programs, including The Johnny Carson Show and Sesame Street, further cemented their global recognition and demonstrated the universal appeal of wordless storytelling.
Slinky Costumes and Transformative Design.
One of the most iconic elements of Mummenschanz’s work is their use of elastic, slinky like costumes and sculptural materials. These designs expand, compress and reshape the performer’s body, blurring lines between the costume and performer choreography. Rather than decorating the body, the material becomes an active part of the movement, creating living shapes that feel playful, abstract and deeply expressive.
This approach has strongly influenced contemporary circus disciplines that explore object manipulation, physical theatre, and visual storytelling. For artists, students, and theatre-makers interested in exploring similar techniques, resources such as Red Circle Shop offer a wide selection of costumes, slinky costumes, fabrics, and aerial acrobatics props that echo the creativity of Mummenschanz’s designs. From flexible, stretchy materials to sculptural performance elements, these tools make it possible to experiment with movement-inspired creations and visual storytelling in your own performances.
Why Mummenschanz Matters to Circus Today.
For circus schools and artists, Mummenschanz offers a powerful example of how creativity can emerge from simplicity. Their legacy reminds us that strong ideas, imaginative materials, and precise movement can captivate audiences without words, making their work especially relevant to modern circus education and creation.
Kids in Ottawa now have the unique opportunity to train with world class instructors, including former Cirque du Soleil performer at Capital Circus. Our programs offer comprehensive training for all ages in hand balancing, contortion, unicycle, juggling, acrobatics, partner acrobatics, aerial silks and aerial hoop, combining elite level technical skills with creativity, confidence and teamwork. Students not only develop their physical abilities in general circus session or Circus Tots session for our little artists but also experience the joy of performing, creating acts, and exploring their artistic voice in a safe, supportive and inspiring circus environment.