Gandini Juggling: Heka at Lancaster Arts
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Taking its name from the Egyptian goddess of magic, the ever-fabulous Gandini Juggling return to Lancaster Arts with their new show, Heka.
Taking its inspiration from the connection between juggling and magic, Heka blends humour with philosophy, and silliness with skill. Objects vanish and reappear, levitate and transform, as Gandini Juggling transport their audience to a captivating realm where reality blurs with illusion.
Always challenging the confines of their art form, Gandini Juggling have a sterling reputation for innovation. Their previous shows, perhaps most particularly Smashed and 4×4 Ephemeral Architectures, have all challenged perceptions of what juggling is and what it can be and have found new ways to push the threshold of the genre into a whole new direction.
Now, Heka marks a departure from Gandini’s renowned repertoire. Through this powerful, hybrid performance, the company’s director Sean Gandini, revisits the beginning of his magical performance journey, which started in Havana, over fifty years ago.
Blending elements of contemporary choreography and the principles of magic, like repetition and misdirection, Heka explores how the dynamics of group magic inform choreographic expression. The performance also invites the audience to reconsider the ritual of spectatorship throughout the show.
Most strikingly, Heka seeks to disrupt the gender stereotypes that have long persisted in the world of magic. You’ll find no glamorous assistants in this show – only powerful artists who defy expectations and captivate audiences with their skill and stagecraft.
Running at around 60 minutes long and suitable for ages 8+, Heka is another perfectly crafted piece of work from Gandini Juggling. Guaranteed to leave audiences spellbound.
