The first week of ArtCargo Festival opened with great energy, transforming Limassol into a playground of physical theatre and performance.

The festival launched with Two Men & A Plank by Don Gnu (Denmark), drawing families and passersby to Malindi Beach and Old Port Square for four acrobatic slapstick performances. Having performed previously in Paphos for European Capital of Culture (2017), Don Gnu has returned to the island for shows as part of ArtCargo Festival.

Winners of the Cirque du Soleil award and founders of the Swiss art company Baccalà — modern-day clowns Camilla Pessi and Simone Fassari — performed two shows at Rialto Theatre. Over a thousand performances in 53 countries, and first time in Cyprus, the legendary Swiss duo made audiences laugh, gasp, and fall in love all over again over the timeless performance. The official opening night closed in true ArtCargo spirit with an after-party at SouSou (at Rialto) with music by DJ Worryless.

A press conference at Plevsis Hall brought together artists, partners, and members of the media to discuss the festival’s mission — to bring art everywhere, for everyone, and celebrate the programme, which became a collaboration of many forces, from private companies in different sectors to Municipality, NGOS and public organisations.

This week, ArtCargo continues to animate the city with a new wave of performances. The Chilean performer Murmuyo will create a traffic jam (Su-Seso) at Anexartisias Street (Gregori Afxentou Square) on 5th and 6th of November, and continue his interventions at Molos Amphitheatre with Fisura show on 7th and 8th of November.

KAMCHATKA collective (CAT) arrives with their moving exploration of migration and belonging, inviting the public into silent encounters full of tenderness and humour. Their walkabout theatre piece will begin at Castle Square (in the mornings) and Gelato Fabio (in the afternoons), roaming through the streets of the old town.

From 5 to 9 November, Shadow Dance (Belgium) will present a mesmerizing water projection at the Fountain of Darina, turning the space into a dreamlike nocturnal spectacle. Make sure to visit Molos in the evening time for this exceptional piece, which toured around the world.

Please make sure you find the exact location and times at the official website.

The festival culminates on 15 November at KEAN Factory with a full-day celebration of art and community. The programme includes creative workshops for kids, live music by elswhre, and the breathtaking aerial performance CUBO by Italian pioneers eVenti Verticali, followed by a closing DJ set from Aparapira Parape.

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