Sigma

2018

SIGMA IS DESIGNED TO ENGAGE IN A DIALOGUE WITH THE VIEWER, TRANSCENDING CULTURAL BARRIERS AND STIMULATING IMAGINATIONS.

Gandini Juggling have a reputation for innovation - pushing the boundaries of their art form by combining contemporary circus with dance and narrative. The resulting productions have challenged perceptions of what juggling is and can be and have forced the threshold of the genre in its own unique direction.

Sigma further explores these dialogues and showcases the multiplicity between Bharatanatyam dance, juggling and percussion. Developed in partnership with award winning choreographer Seeta Patel, the highly skilled cast (dancer Indu Panday and Kati Ylä-Hokkala & Kim Huynh - pioneering jugglers from Gandini Juggling), the work investigates classical Indian geometries, mathematics, and rhythm by looking at similarities and differences, processes and choreographic architectures. There is also a focus on the parabolic accelerating velocity of objects in the air versus the more subtly changing speeds of the dancer and the underlying Carnatic musical structures.

The human side of the collaboration transcends the pure structure and looks at invented ethnologies and imaginary rituals, when both Bharatanatyam and juggling come with a myriad of associated archetypes.

TOTAL THEATRE AWARD FOR VISUAL THEATRE
ASIAN ARTS AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTING

Sigma premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August 2017, where it was received in awe:

‘IT LOOKS, AND IS, EXQUISITELY BEAUTIFUL’
★★★★★ The Herald

‘A SHOW THAT IS QUIETLY MESMERISING’
★★★★ The List

‘ASTONISHING SKILLS IN A CLEVER AND ENGROSSING PIECE’
★★★★ The Stage

‘SIGMA IS NOT YOUR USUAL JUGGLING SHOW AND IS ALL THE BETTER FOR IT’
★★★★ Broadway Baby

‘A TRULY ARTFUL MASH-UP OF DISTINCT SKILLS’
★★★★ The Times

Co-produced by: London International Mime Festival (UK)
Supported by: Watermans Theatre (UK)

Sigma Trailer (2018)
Choreographer:
Seeta Patel
Director:
Sean Gandini