Gandini

The Games We Play is a new piece by the emblematic contemporary circus company Gandini Juggling, from the pioneering duo that created the organisation in a bedsit in West Hampstead 30 years ago, exploring the joyous and complex worlds of juggling and choreography.  

2023 marks a special moment in the history of this award-winning company who celebrate 30 Years since the opening of their first show, with co-directors Sean Gandini and Kati Ylä-Hokkala reflecting on staging of over 6000 performances, across the world over the last three decades and a repertoire of over 30 productions and counting.

With The Games We Play Sean and Kati invite you to enter their world of making and choreographing juggling in a lecture that pretends to be a show (or is it a show that pretends to be a lecture?). It is an animated self-portrait of the company and their work, presented by the esteemed duo who have unparalleled alchemy on and off stage.

The Games We Play will embark on a journey through the idea of juggling, with juggling. Sean and Kati delve into the foundations of the artform in a fun and playful way. At its core, the work of Gandini Juggling is a celebratory exploration of juggling. What is juggling? What can it be? And also, what is art? What can art be? Each of their productions is an attempt at answering these questions in their own inimitable style. 

Premiere: January 2023, London


PRESS

"An absorbing mix of juggling, dance and philosophy" The Guardian ★★★★

“Gandini Juggling astound with their sharp moves” The Review Hub ★★★★

“On the borderline between the cerebral and the physical” Seeing Dance


Practical 

Setting: Indoor, small-scale
Duration: 50 minutes, no interval
Age range: 14+ (contains mild nudity)


THE TEAM

Directors: Sean Gandini & Kati Ylä-Hokkala
Performers: Sean Gandini & Kati Ylä-Hokkala
Lighting design: Guy Hoare
Sound Design: Sakari Männistö
Dramaturg: Emma Lister


CREDITS

Commission: London International Mime Festival
With the support of: Watermans Arts Centre


WRAP-AROUND ACTIVITIES

We have a wide range of workshops available on demand. Workshops are aimed at professional jugglers, performers, and those that are new to the art form. We also offer post-show discussions with the director of the company and the performers. Get in touch with the team to discuss ideas.