event: Ohlala is entering its sixth round this year. What will be new?
Gregory Knie: I'm particularly proud of the sixth act. We have really put together a super package and, in my opinion, the artists are of an extremely high standard. We've also brought in a new choreographer, so a new style will be incorporated into the program.
Sounds very artistic.
Yes, but this year in particular there will be a lot of comedy. Not necessarily clown humor, but also black and provocative humor. A very varied program.
The new program is called "Scandalo". What's so scandalous about it?
The extremely weird humor will cause scandals.
What inspires you?
It's very different. It can be little things from everyday life or things you've seen. Moves by artists. Suddenly you have an idea for a theme.
Is there a highlight of the sixth act?
Our aim is for the whole program to be a highlight, not just a single act. It has to come from a single source and thrill the audience so that they go home saying that they have received a good overall package.
How do you find new artists?
We get a lot of applications. In addition, I often go on trips in the spring and see various productions to get to know new artists. These can be big productions, but also underground events.
"The artists also have to be aware that Ohlala is a sexy and crazy show."
Do you need a certain type of artist for Ohlala in particular?
Sure. Of course there are circus acts that are more erotic than others. For example, we couldn't perform a Russian whiplash act at Ohlala, it wouldn't fit into the program. And the artists also have to be aware that Ohlala is a sexy and crazy show.
What do you particularly like about your job?
There are so many wonderful moments. The best phase is always the creation phase, when you create a new program. When the visions you have in your head become reality. That is always a very exciting process.
You wanted to bring Ohlala to Paris right away
How did the Ohlala Paris project come about?
The people from the Folies Bergère theater in Paris contacted me and were very interested in working with me. They visited Ohlala in Switzerland last year, were thrilled and wanted to bring the program to Paris this year. For me personally, that was actually too quick, but all the artists contacted had time and the premiere was a success.
How has the feedback been?
Very good. It's great fun to hear how enthusiastic people are. Paris is a city that has already seen so much, it makes you proud.
Will there now be two parallel productions?
I can't say yet. We are in talks.
Are you excited before premieres?
Yes, always. If you lose that, it wouldn't be good. You can never be sure how the audience will react before a premiere. No program is the same, and you always want to try out new things.
How do you divide up the work with your father Rolf Knie?
At the moment, I manage the day-to-day running of Ohlala and Salto Natale. My father Rolf is currently busy with his new musical production. But if I need any advice, I can always call him.
Is there a lot of tension when you show the program to your father for the first time?
With Ohlala Paris, for example, it was the case that he only saw the program at the premiere. But I was sure he would like it because the program had already worked with the audience at the previews. And the audience is really brutally honest (laughs).
Can you already reveal something about Salto Natale's "Luna" program?
It will be a very poetic program. The comedian and pantomime Julien Cottereau will tell the story - the journey to the moon - and guide us through the program. And we also have a new choreographer here, so a new style is emerging.
