About
This year, the Carnaval Sztukmistrzów (July 23-26, 2026, Lublin) is launching its comedy stage for the first time – a new space dedicated to contemporary clowning, located at Radość club in the Perła Brewery. The programme features not only performances and concerts by artists from Poland and abroad, but also clowning workshops.
Contemporary clowning moves away from the stereotypical image of the circus clown. Instead, it is a theatrical form that combines humour, movement and improvisation with compelling stories about human emotions, relationships and the absurdities of everyday life. Its greatest strength lies in the authenticity of the performers and their direct connection with the audience. As contemporary clowning is still rarely presented on major stages in Poland, the Carnaval Sztukmistrzów has created a space dedicated entirely to this art form.
Comedy stage
The comedy stage will open with “The Requiem of Sophie Withman”, a wordless burlesque performance by Normandy-born performer and clown Clémence Caillouel. The artist has created the character of Sophie Withman – a woman in love with fame, romance and stories with t