In the summer of 2023, my friends from the band Dobranotch asked me for a picture of them. Following my intuition, I created the image you now see on this CD and LP cover. It captures a flying circus, a balagan, joyful and effortless, just as they used to entertain their audience with gags during concerts. Little did I know, the image would become almost prophetic: shortly after, they launched a full-scale circus project.
Tshemodan – A Klezmer Circus by Tsirk Dobranotch
Tsirk Dobranotch combines the world-renowned klezmer band Dobranotch with three interdisciplinary circus artists, blending contemporary circus, klezmer music, Yiddish theater, and humor. Their performances explore migration, exile, discrimination, and Jewish history in Europe. Ensemble members include grandchildren of Holocaust survivors, a child of Turkish immigrants to Germany, and performers recently exiled from Saint Petersburg for opposing Russia’s war in Ukraine. Through music, movement, and storytelling, Tsirk Dobranotch brings these personal, familial, and cultural histories to life.
You can discover more and see their performances here: Tsirk Dobranotch
As an artist, I strive to create a recognisable visual language that captures both spontaneity and narrative depth. I am always happy when a project resonates. You can get an LP with a poster on Amazon here or simply enjoy attending one of their unforgettable shows.