A gym and six people wearing peculiar protective gear: knee pads, helmets with warning lights, and cushions strapped to their stomachs. Cushions are distributed to the audience and a safety briefing is given—but with each rule discussed, the nervousness among the strange group increases.
What follows is a breathtaking hour of acrobatics, humour, and live music, at times fast-paced and at times very gentle.

In CECI N’EST PAS UN EXERCISE, the audience is up close and in the thick of things as the six performers face their fears, support and challenge each other, lift each other up, and achieve incredible things with absolute trust in one another. And finally, even the audience becomes part of the challenge. Together, so much more is possible.

Sensory stimuli can be exciting or overwhelming for some people. That’s why you’ll find information here about sensory experiences that occur at various points in the performance:

On-stage elements:

• A performer suddenly enters the stage through a door
• Flying pillows, protective gear, and flying balls
• People flying through the air
• A performer is outside filming. The video is projected onto the screen for a few minutes
• Performers displaying fear
• Violence in the form of judo throws that look painful

Lighting:

• Flashing lights

Sound:

• Live music/amplified instruments: piano and accordion
  
• Background music
  
• Repeated sounds: An alarm clock
  Audio recordings

Requirements for the audience:

• Spectators are asked to put on shoe covers, which we will provide at the entrance.
  
• Visitors must remain quiet during the performance: Only in certain parts; in certain scenes, the audience may be loud along with the performers
  
• Audience members are invited to come on stage: The audience and performers are in the same space.
• Audience members are invited to participate
  
• Audience members are allowed to interact
  
• In one scene, the audience is encouraged to position themselves in two opposing rows/groups and assert themselves against each other with battle cries.

With German Sign Language (DGS) on Stage

“Ceci n’est pas un exercice” will take place on May 20, 2026, at 8:00 PM with on-stage interpretation into German Sign Language. The performance is accessible to both hearing and Deaf* audience members.

You can find more information about attending performances with German Sign Language on stage here.

We always have tickets available for Deaf* people. Even if the performance is listed as “sold out,” you can email us at: ticket@jes-stuttgart.de

•    We are happy to pick you up at the nearest bus or train stop.

•    Your assistance dog is welcome.

•    There is free seating during the performance. Please let us know if you would benefit from early boarding.

Detailed information on accessibility and inclusion at JES can be found here!

The French collective “PourquoiPas” was founded in Châlonvillars in April 2021.

In their work, they place great emphasis on partnerships with local stakeholders and on visibility in public spaces.

By pooling ideas, energy, efforts, and skills—including circus, music, and theater—they aim to share with their contemporaries some of what they believe about the human condition.

The collective has set itself the goal of restoring a sense of community to public spaces and sparking conversations.