Contemporary circus tells visual stories, plays with gravity, and delves deep into the limits and possibilities of the human body. It can be physically challenging and spectacular – while at the same time offering a narrative and touching its viewers. But how can contemporary circus be used as a medium for personal stories? Rope acrobat Viivi Roiha opens up about the origins of her latest solo piece, “V”, which features in the Stockholm CirkusExpo pitch programme in February.
TEXT Emma Vainio
Viivi Roiha’s story is an extract of an article originally published in the Finnish Circus & Dance in Focus 2025 magazine.
Cutting loose and the power of vulnerability
V, a fictionalised autobiographical solo piece by rope acrobat Viivi Roiha, who has lived in France for a number of years, explores the decision to make a break with the past. The highly charged performance sees the circus artist cut her rope with an axe.
The result is a brand new piece of circus equipment: the vertical rope, the end of which is left hanging in the air, some distance above the floor. And when the rope is no longer in contact with the floor, the danger level seems to go up a notch.
V was chosen as a finalist for Circusnext 2023. This esteemed event in the circus calendar brings promising, interesting artists to Paris every year, helping them to network and giving them a boost up in the international arts sector. Now in February 2025 the artist is pitching her work at CirkusExpo in Stockholm.
Over the course of her career, Roiha has been involved in numerous productions in France and Finland, as well as creating her own performances with Sade Kamppila and the group L’association du Vide, for example.
While creating her solo piece, Roiha was also going through a year in her personal life where many things came to an end.
“We all have those moments where you have to cut loose from something or someone in life, moments that can feel painful, even if you know that they are necessary. Sometimes, you have to find that courage so that you can be free going forward,” she summarises.
Vulnerability can be a strength
We might find ourselves having to disengage from our childhood family, a relationship, or our working life. “When I moved to France a little over 15 years ago, I removed my former life in Finland from my reality. Even in France I’m always moving, from one city to the next,” Roiha explains.
But what happens after you have made the cut? For example, after the end of a long-term relationship, you have to ask yourself what is most important at the end of the day.
What is at the very core of it all – or in other words, who am I – after all is said and done?
“One person has all these different sides, and they don’t always need to be perfect. Vulnerability can also be a strength in itself,” states Roiha.
Circus is firmly embedded in this reality
Roiha believes that when it comes to circus art, diving below the surface is the norm.
“To me, circus is personal, honest, and firmly embedded in this reality – especially when dangerous elements are involved,” she explains.
“When you perform as a circus artist, often, you need extreme focus. And it is in those same intimate and personal moments that you can see flashes of the inner self.”