In September 2025, YOUNG STAGE has celebrated its Grande Finale and two decades full of magic, wonderful encounters and moving stories. YOUNG STAGE has always been more than just a festival: it has been a place of togetherness. Artists, audiences, supporters and friends from the Basel region and around the world have shaped it.
Basel artist and photographer Pablo Wünsch Blanco has accompanied the festival and the people behind it over the years. Away from the stage, in the midst of real life, beyond the spotlight. The result is around 50,000 artistic black-and-white photographs full of emotion.
The highlight is a lovingly designed book: a piece of festival history you can touch and take home with you – a tribute and a thank you to all those who have made YOUNG STAGE what it is today.
We still have a few copies available, which you can purchase directly from the book shop «Bider und Tanner» in Basel. Alternatively, you can order the book online. The edition is limited.
«YOUNG STAGE ist eine Talentschmiede, ein Manegensprungbrett und zuverlässiger Wegweiser für ALLE, die im Circus Neues ausprobieren oder suchen. Mit Nadja Berger – in jungen Jahren selber Artistin – hat dieses wunderbare Festival eine Erfinderin an der Spitze, die weiss, was der heutige Circusnachwuchs braucht. Hier geht’s nicht einfach um einen Wettbewerb, sondern um eine nachhaltige Zukunft für viele neue, herausragende Talente. Das mag ich!»
Nadja Sieger, Comedian, Schauspielerin, CH
«The feelings I most remember are those of belonging and feeling so lucky to be there among such good and talented people. Coming out of the pandemic, it made me remember why I love circus, and I look for that supportive community feeling on every job I have the privilege of being a part of since.»
Clara Laurent, FR & US, Artistin, YOUNG STAGE 2022
«The festival cultivates a space for creativity, collaboration and encourages exchange and growth.»
Gypsy Snider, Artistic Director, The 7 Fingers, CA
