Viliya Monovska, aka ViVine, is a versatile artist based in Leipzig, Germany, originally from Bulgaria. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and has a background in theatre criticism and radio journalism. Over the past ten years, she has been actively involved in various theatrical productions and shows in both Bulgaria and Germany. Her commitment extends to participating in numerous social projects as a circus pedagogue.
ViVine was a co-founder of StreetBikeTheatre and Show&Spektakel. Her performance art draws inspiration from a wide range of influences, including object manipulation, contemporary circus, dance, physical theatre, Michael Chekhov's acting technique, and clowning. She was awarded an artistic scholarship by the Saxony Cultural Foundation for her performative research project "WhirlDream," which focuses on her Sama dance. This work was also presented during the touring street theatre project "Panopticon – the Cultural Piepschau," a collaboration with clown Tomtom, supported by Fonds Performing Arts in Germany.
Her artistic journey includes significant training and experience at the Kokyu Studio, a part of the Grotowski Institute in Wroclaw, Poland, where she completed several theatrical programs. ViVine is deeply interested in exploring ritual, spiritual, and movement-based practices as sources of inspiration for her stage performances.
In 2022, she began leading regular physical training sessions for individuals and small groups and embarked on freelance collaborations with Oakleaf Streetshow and Circus Dobbelino. She also showcased her talents at the Flying Carpet Festival in Mardin, Turkey, in 2022. In 2023, she introduced a new production, the clownesque fire theater piece "Help! I Burn!" which was featured at various events, including the Kikimora Theaterfest in Leipzig. ViVine's diverse artistic journey reflects her passion for pushing boundaries and creating unique and captivating performances.
