Zentral
Street Art, Performances, Concerts, Late Nights and more
For children and families
Smack bang in the middle of the festival events! On the Zentral stages, we present a daily changing programme of performances, acrobatics, clowning, dance, concerts, late nights and more. In addition, we roam through the city with DeZentral, our pop-up format. From Tuesday to Thursday, a Zentral group performs in one of Zurich’s districts. As well as the programme listed here, you can let yourself be surprised by the diversity of the street artists performing at the various outdoor spots on the festival site.
LOS INFORMALLS
Eso (That)
Spain / Thu 17 to Sat 19 August
The protagonist of this physical theatre by Los Informalls is surprised by an unexpected visitor. «Eso (That)» is full of unforeseeable and entertaining events!
RAISSA AVILÉS
Maybe a concert
Switzerland / Thu 17 and Fri 18 August
An extraordinary concert goes far beyond music, with a mariachi musician in stilettos, a glittering cowboy, futuristic cabaret outfits – and a mixture of electro, jazz and pop. But behind the dazzling façade there lurk contradictions and hopes ...
NO MAGIC
N O M A G I C
Germany, Norway, USA / Fri 18 and Sat 19 August
«N O M A G I C» puts the improvisational powers of the acrobats Julie Bergez, Philine Dahlmann and Elise Reine to the test. During this crazy acrobatics show, new and completely unexpected events keep coming thick and fast. Warning: Bellyaches from laughing are unavoidable.
PAWEL SAKOWICZ
Jumpcore
Poland / Fri 18 to Sun 20 August
The starting point of this piece is a jump taken by American dancer Fred Herko – a jump from a window. Was it suicide? An accident? The attempt to fly? Based on Herko’s jump, Pawel Sakowicz dances or rather jumps through dance history of the recent past.
KOLLEKTIV: PIPPO IN SPACE
ALESYST EVA
Universe / Fri 18 August
The collective, PIPPO IN SPACE, takes you on a unique trip through performance, experimental live concert and fashion experience. This raises profound questions: are we all just tiny particles? a single giant organism? or even both at the same time?
HORAKEL INTRODUCTION
Switzerland / Fri 18 and Sat 19, Fri 25 and Sun 27 August
Performative introduction with players from the ensemble of Theater HORA. For Marlene Freitas & Cia. Dançando com a Diferença’s piece «Ôss» on Fri 18 and Sat 19 August. For Robyn Orlin & Moving Into Dance Mophatong’s piece «we wear our wheels with pride and slap your streets with color … we said «bonjour» to satan in 1820 …» on Fri 25 and Sun 27 August.
BEWEGGRUND
ume-ume
Switzerland / Sat 19 and Sun 20
Two men meet who could hardly be more different. They circle or accompany each other, walk past or towards each other. Jürg Koch and Lukas Schwander’s duet shows that, despite differences, we can get on well together – very well, in fact.
MALAIKA FLÜCHTLINGSTHEATER & CATERING
Fundstücke! Malaikas theatralische Reise durch ein Brockenhaus
Around the world / Sat 19 August
Whether this is a junk shop or a second-hand shop, it is full of lost and found objects and the stories behind them. The Malaika Flüchtlingstheater gives a voice to those objects and transforms them and their past into a theatrical palette of experiences, emotions and memories – the findings of life.
LATE NIGHT
Helvetische Diskomfortzonen (Wer wird Woke™ionär?)
Switzerland / Sat 19 August
This late night show radically challenges the thinking and beliefs of the audience. Author Ivona Brđanović hosts the programme, which not only opens up new perspectives, but also reveals a lot about the country we live in.
EVELINN TROUBLE
Konzert
Switzerland / Sun 20 August
There is no doubt about it: Evelinn Trouble is one of the most exciting personalities on the Swiss music scene. Is it the unique blend of experimental rock, jazz and electronic music? Or is it the often introspective lyrics about identity, love and relationships? Either way, this is a live act that packs a punch!
PAYASA PA VIAJERA
Tchocolatl
Switzlerand, Spain / Sun 20 and Wed 30 August
(DeZentral in the district: Tue 29 August at the Robinsonspielplatz Witikon)
«Tchocolatl» tells the story of a turbulent journey around the world in search of the origins of chocolate. Payasa Pa Viajera invites us to an adventure which is as educational as it is funny.
CONSUELA DEL VALLE GRANDE + PARTNERS IN CRIME
EN MI IMPERIO PERREO SOLA (REMIX)
Switzerland / Sun 20 and Fri 25 August
In «EN MI IMPERIO PERREO SOLA», Daniela Ruocco, aka Consuela del Valle Grande, and her partners in crime develop a feminist interpretation of the musical genre Reggaeton. They have created a remix of their piece explicitly for the Zentral stage. It will be powerful, yet gentle and poetic.
Cabaret
Diverse / Mon 21, Mon 28 and Wed 30 August
The street artists perform an ad hoc programme together on the Zentralbühne. Funny, colourful, strange, imaginative.
STRANGE MODES
Konzert
Switzerland / Mon 21 August
The duo Strange Modes proves that dreamy pop music can also be urgent. Their songs often begin with a simple motif that is soon swallowed up by dense sound collages. What remains is a sense of infinite vastness. The Strange Modes concert – an invitation to space out.
FELIX & PHILO
Red Pants
Switzerland, Germany / Mon 21 and Thu 24 August
(DeZentral in the district: Tue 22 August at Lindenplatz Altstetten and Wed 23 August at GZ Hirzenbach)
In their show «Red Pants», Felix and Philo invite you on an acrobatic journey full of daring balancing acts, self-created music, as well as wit and poetry. The grand finale: a passionate act on a skid board!
LA LUNE BLEUE
Jusque-là
Switzerland, New Zealand, Germany / Tue 22 and Wed 23 August
La Lune Bleue’s new show combines acrobatics on the ground and in the air with humour! «Jusque-là» tells the story of three friends, their childhood dreams and the desire never to grow up. A wonderful ode to imagination!
CIE. ALTA GAMA
Mentir lo Mínimo
France / Tue 22 to Thu 24 August
A woman, a man and a bicycle. With these components, Cie. Alta Gama reflect on human nature. «Mentir lo Mínimo» is a bicycle acrobatics show that brings us closer to the complexity of existence through its apparent simplicity. Essential, poetic and profound.
COMPAÑÍA JAVIER ARANDA
Vida
Spain / Tue 22 and Wed 23 August
(DeZentral in the district: Thu 24 August at GZ Hottingen)
«Vida», the latest play by Javier Aranda, is about the relentless course of life. Without words, but full of audacity, Aranda tells of two people, their love for each other, the birth of their children, their growing old together. A tender, humorous and intimate play for all fans of puppet theatre.
SGARAMUSCH
Rosa – Lebensgeschichte einer mutigen Frau
Switzerland / Wed 23 and Sun 27 August
translated into sign language DSGS on Sun 27 August
Rosa is small and has a limp. But Rosa says what she thinks – loud and clear. This play by Theater Sgaramusch tells the story of Rosa Luxemburg, who courageously fought for justice and equality – and died for doing so. What would the world be like if we all carried a piece of Rosa in us?
LATE NIGHT
In Bed with «Clubliteratur»
Switzerland / Thu 24 August
This series of readings, created in Bern, brings literature into clubs. Now, it is presented on the Zentral stage during a late night show – with readings, performances and talks by and with Nora Osagiobare, Deborah Lara Schaefer, Fork Burke, Boni Joi, X Schneeberger aka X Noëme and other friends.
KENTON THE POET & DJ AIR AFRIQUE MUSIC
Dub Poetry Concert
Jamaica, Switzerland / Fri 25 August
Observations made in everyday life are the basis of the uniquely dense and rhythmic lyrics by the musical poet Kenton. He is accompanied by DJ Air Afrique’s reggae and dub tracks. The music of the two artists is thought-provoking -– and at the same time invites you to dance and party!
NIV SHEINFELD & OREN LAOR
The Third Dance
Israel / Fri 25 to Sun 27 August
Niv Sheinfeld and Oren Laor’s piece «The Third Dance» addresses love, mortality and the need for recognition. The duo’s choreography reveals the fundamental human needs hidden behind romantic clichés. A touching declaration of love in dance.
HEITERE FAHNE UND KOLLEKTIV FREI_RAUM
Puff! Völlig losgelöst
Switzerland / Sat 26 August
«Puff! Völlig losgelöst» is a wild, galactic journey brought to you by Heitere Fahne and the Kollektiv Frei_Raum. This inclusive theatre project offers a raffle, a lot of glitz and glamour – and much more!
LATE NIGHT
A Reason a Season a Lifetime and All the Voices in Your Head That Are Missing
Switzerland, USA / Sat 26 August
Artist and author Fork Burke, movement teacher and therapist Myriam Diarra and poets Heidi Fonseka and Boni Joi talk about poetry and Afro-feminism. An evening full of poetry and conversation.
KNOT ON HANDS
Brace for Impact
Belgium, Germany, Netherlands / Sat 26 and Sun 27 August
Three acrobats explore the limits of equilibrium. In the process, they find completely new ways to move. «Brace for Impact» by Knot on Hands is an innovative form of acrobatics – organic, pure and breathtaking.
NONE OF THEM
Konzert
Switzerland / Sun 27 August
Singer Signup and producer Michal Ho construct a sound that makes equal use of electronic beats, freestyle rap and psychedelic guitars. With sampler, drum machine and two mics, None Of Them, as the duo call themselves, takes the stage – and wow the audience in no time. Promised!
NAÏMA
Konzert
Switzerland / Mon 28 August
Reggae, indie soul and jazz: naïma composes and sings her way across musical genres. After several singles and collaborations, the artist, who lives in Bern and Zurich, has released her debut album «roots». Now she brings it – together with some brand new songs – to the Zentral stage.
COMPAGNIE KIRN
Tricot
France / Mon 28 and Tue 29 August
(DeZentral in the district: Wed 30 August at Marktplatz Oerlikon and Thu 31 August at Dynamo Jugendkulturhaus)
With spectacular acrobatics and a pinch of humour, Lucas and Théo Enriquez explore their relationship as brothers. Sometimes close, sometimes distant, sometimes in or out of step – their brotherly connection is unique and their interpretation breathtaking.
FINSTERBUSCH
Tue 29 August
The international performance group finsterbusch invites local performers to help them shed relationship baggage, serenade their ex-partners in a different way or make a declaration of love to being single. Based on this, they create a vision for the future of love.
RENABRANDENBERGERCIE.
ASHES
Switzerland / Tue 29 and Wed 30 August
Six dancers from different backgrounds reinterpret Mary Wigman’s legendary «Witch Dance» from 1926. In doing so, they relate to their own body and dance identity and allow various references from dance history to shimmer through.
KINDERZIRKUS ROBINSON
Das Gartenfest
Switzerland / Wed 30 August
The Robinson-Stage-Truppe was created in 2022 by the Swiss children’s circus Robinson. Children between the ages of six and eleven weave different disciplines into a colourful programme. Their first production, premiering on the Zentral stage, revolves around a cheerful garden party.
MOQUET
Wed 30.8. to Fri 1.9.
«Moquet» is a do-it-yourself performance, a sort of moving installation. It is based on two principles: No new material is bought for the performances and they exclusively take place in public spaces. Thus, no two «Moquet» sets are alike - and of course this also applies to the shows at the Theater Spektakel.
The performances take place on the Landiwiese.
LATE NIGHT
Beautifulism, Age on Stage und Begriffsfrustrationen zum Mitstampfen!
Switzerland / Thu 31 August
Ariane Andereggen tackles the subject of «self-optimisation in the art business». With a lot of wit and without mercy, the performer lays down the law in this late-night show.
MUOVIPUSSI
Konzert
Finland / Thu 31 August to Sat 2 September
The stage is a playground! Following this credo, the Finnish band Muovipussi combines things that are actually not meant for each other. In the trio’s energetic shows, rap is performed in punk outfits or feminism mixed with elements from heavy metal.
MARAÑA
Organismo
Germany, Chile / Thu 31 August to Sat 2 September
Maraña last captivated Zentral audiences in 2019 with a sensual, psychedelic world made of wool and moving bodies. Now they’re back and take us on an adventure through the complexity of our existence. An incomparable experience!
CIA DELÁ PRAKÁ
Maiador
Brasil, France / Fri 1 to Sun 3 September
«Maiador» is an expression from the northeast of Brazil and refers to the place where cattle shelter and rest from the midday sun. Cia Delá Prakáa depicts those moments of refuge and encounter with acrobatics, contemporary dance, and live music.
LATE NIGHT
café révolution by the lake
Switzerland / Sa 2 September
café révolution invites you to an evening of words. Five Black Finta+ people share their word creations and then discuss their texts, their art and their realities of life together. The evening is hosted by co-performers Anna Chiedza Spörri and Mona-Lisa Kole.
KOMMANDO PÖPPERLE
ready für spaghetti
Switzerland / Sat 2 and Sun 3 September
translated into sign language DSGS on Sat 2 September
Ingenious idiosyncrasy, witty lyrics and tons of charm – those are the trademarks of the young duo Kommando Pöpperle. Their show «ready für spaghetti» is, among other things, about flower-dappled cow meadows and wild circus life.
DEBORAH LARA SCHAEFER
Reading from «Libido Lucid»
Schweiz / Sun 3.9.
Deborah Lara Schaefer reads from «Libido Lucid». Bilingual Swiss author Deborah Lara Schaefer has written her first book in German and French. «Libido Lucid» is a trip that mixes dream and reality into absurd and original narratives: «I work for a fair trade crêperie and I have to melt the butter in my mouth.»
KONSTANT!
Concert
Switzerland / Sun 3 September
Cold riffs, a distanced voice, energizing beats - Nicolas Balmer and Angelo Repetto aka Konstant! from Zurich bring the post-punk aesthetic of the eighties into the present. And thus conclude this year's Zentral programme.
Zentral Stages
An inclusive event
The following performances are translated into sign language DSGS:
- Sun 27.8. Sgaramusch «Rosa – Lebensgeschichte einer mutigen Frau»
- Sat 2.9. Kommando Pöpperle «ready für spaghetti»
Contrary to the announcement in the printed programme journal, None of Them's concert on Sun 27.8. unfortunately can not be offered with translation into sign language DSGS.
OPEN-AIR PERFORMANCE
In case of adverse weather, the performances will be cancelled
DEZENTRAL
Tue 24. to Thu 26.8. & Tue 29. to Thu 31.8. in the city. Further Informationen
REPLACEMENT FOR PROJET COIN
Unfortunately Projet Coin's show «Monique» is cancelled. Instead we are presenting Compagnie Kirn's «Tricot».
REPLACEMENT FOR UKHOIKHOI
Unfortunately uKhoiKhoi's concert is cancelled. Instead we are presenting a concert by Konstant!
Dates
shows from today-
Th
17.08.
19:00
– Los Informalls: Eso (That) Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Th
17.08.
20:45
– Raissa Avilés: Maybe a concert Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Fr
18.08.
17:30
– HORAKEL Einführung Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Fr
18.08.
18:00
– Pawel Sakowicz: Jumpcore Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Fr
18.08.
19:00
– Los Informalls: Eso (That) Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Fr
18.08.
20:00
– No Magic: N O M A G I C Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Fr
18.08.
20:45
– Raissa Avilés: Maybe a concert Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Fr
18.08.
22:30
– Pippo In Space: ALESYST EVA Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Sa
19.08.
16:00
– Beweggrund: ume-ume Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Sa
19.08.
17:00
– Los Informalls: Eso (That) Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Sa
19.08.
18:00
– Pawel Sakowicz: Jumpcore Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Sa
19.08.
18:30
– HORAKEL Einführung Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Sa
19.08.
19:30
– Malaika Flüchtlingstheater & Catering: Fundstücke! Malaikas theatralische Reise durch ein Brockenhaus Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Sa
19.08.
21:00
– No Magic: N O M A G I C Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Sa
19.08.
22:00
– Late Night: Helvetische Diskomfortzonen (Wer wird Woke™ionär?) Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Su
20.08.
16:00
– Payasa Pa Viajera: Tchocolatl Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Su
20.08.
17:15
– Beweggrund: ume-um Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Su
20.08.
18:15
– Consuela Del Valle Grande + Partners In Crime: EN MI IMPERIO PERREO SOLA (REMIX) Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Su
20.08.
19:45
– Pawel Sakowicz: Jumpcore Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Su
20.08.
21:00
– Evelinn Trouble: Konzert Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Mo
21.08.
18:30
– Strange Modes: Konzert Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Mo
21.08.
20:30
– Felix & Philo: Red Pants Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Mo
21.08.
21:45
– Cabaret Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Tu
22.08.
18:00
– La Lune Bleue: Jusque-là Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Tu
22.08.
20:15
– Cie. Alta Gama: Mentir lo Mínimo Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Tu
22.08.
21:30
– Compañìa Javier Aranda: Vida Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
We
23.08.
16:00
– Sgaramusch: Rosa – Lebensgeschichte einer mutigen Frau Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
We
23.08.
18:00
– La Lune Bleue: Jusque-là Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
We
23.08.
20:00
– Compañìa Javier Aranda: Vida Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
We
23.08.
21:30
– Cie. Alta Gama: Mentir lo Mínimo Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Th
24.08.
18:00
– Felix & Philo: Red Pants Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Th
24.08.
19:00
– Cie. Alta Gama: Mentir lo Mínimo Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Th
24.08.
22:00
– Late Night: In Bed with «Clubliteratur» Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Fr
25.08.
18:00
– Kenton The Poet & DJ Air Afrique Music: Dub Poetry Concert Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Fr
25.08.
18:30
– HORAKEL Einführung Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Fr
25.08.
19:00
– Niv Sheinfeld & Oren Laor: The Third Dance Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Fr
25.08.
22:15
– Consuela Del Valle Grande + Partners In Crime: EN MI IMPERIO PERREO SOLA (REMIX) Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Sa
26.08.
16:00
– Heitere Fahne und Kollektiv Frei_Raum: Puff! Völlig losgelöst Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Sa
26.08.
19:30
– Niv Sheinfeld & Oren Laor: The Third Dance Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Sa
26.08.
21:00
– Knot On Hand: Brace for Impact Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Sa
26.08.
22:00
– Late Night: A Reason a Season a Lifetime and All the Voices in Your Head That Are Missing Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Su
27.08.
16:00
– Sgaramusch: Rosa – Lebensgeschichte einer mutigen Frau Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Su
27.08.
17:45
– Knot On Hand: Brace for Impact Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Su
27.08.
18:30
– HORAKEL Einführung Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Su
27.08.
19:30
– Niv Sheinfeld & Oren Laor: The Third Dance Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Su
27.08.
21:00
– None Of Them: Konzert Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Mo
28.08.
18:00
– Naïma: Konzert Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Mo
28.08.
20:00
– Compagnie Kirn: Tricot Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Mo
28.08.
21:45
– Cabaret Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Tu
29.08.
18:00
– Compagnie Kirn: Tricot Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Tu
29.08.
20:00
– Renabrandenbergercie.: Ashes Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Tu
29.08.
22:00
– Finsterbusch Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
We
30.08.
16:00
– Kinderzirkus Robinson: Das Gartenfest Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
We
30.08.
18:00
– Payasa Pa Viajera: Tchocolatl Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
We
30.08.
18:00
– Moquet (findet auf der Landiwiese statt) Admission free -
We
30.08.
19:30
– Moquet (findet auf der Landiwiese statt) Admission free -
We
30.08.
20:00
– Renabrandenbergercie.: Ashes Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
We
30.08.
21:45
– Cabaret Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Th
31.08.
18:00
– Maraña: Organismo Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Th
31.08.
18:00
– Moquet (findet auf der Landiwiese statt) Admission free -
Th
31.08.
19:30
– Moquet (findet auf der Landiwiese statt) Admission free -
Th
31.08.
20:30
– Muovipussi: Konzert Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Th
31.08.
22:00
– Late Night: Beautifulism, Age on Stage und Begriffsfrustrationen zum Mitstampfen! Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Fr
01.09.
18:00
– Cia Delá Praká: Maiador Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Fr
01.09.
18:00
– Moquet (findet auf der Landiwiese statt) Admission free -
Fr
01.09.
19:30
– Moquet (findet auf der Landiwiese statt) Admission free -
Fr
01.09.
20:00
– Muovipussi: Konzert Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Fr
01.09.
22:00
– Maraña: Organismo Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Sa
02.09.
16:00
– Kommando Pöpperle: ready for spaghetti Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Sa
02.09.
17:15
– Maraña: Organismo Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Sa
02.09.
18:45
– Cia Delá Praká: Maiador Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Sa
02.09.
20:30
– Muovipussi: Konzert Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Sa
02.09.
22:00
– Late Night: café révolution by the lake Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Su
03.09.
16:00
– Cia Delá Praká: Maiador Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Su
03.09.
17:45
– Kommando Pöpperle: ready for spaghetti Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Su
03.09.
19:00
– Deborah Lara Schaefer: Lesung «Libido Lucid» Eintritt frei, Hutsammlung -
Su
03.09.
20:30
– Konstant!: Konzert Admission free