A captivating fusion of art and skill that redefines juggling through an enchanting blend of music, movement, and narrative
Smashed by Gandini Juggling at the Peacock Theatre was an absolute revelation, redefining the art of juggling and creating a spellbinding experience. From the moment the show began, I was transported into a world where juggling transcended its traditional circus roots and emerged as a true performing arts act.
Drawing inspiration from the gestural and theatrical creations of German neo-expressionist dancer and choreographer Pina Bausch, the ensemble brought on the stage a show that felt fresh and relevant for audiences of all ages. As I watched, the balls soared and dropped in hypnotic arcs and circles, creating a unique form of movement. Sean Gandini and Kati Yiä-Hokkala have masterfully managed to recontextualizes the art of juggling, redefining the relationship between narrative and object in a way that transforms the juggled items into the raison d’être of the performer. The objects—be they balls, apples, or china—became the jugglers’ mode of expression, their objects of desire, and their vocabulary in motion. Each throw and catch were loaded with meaning, as the objects served not just as tools for display but as integral elements of the narrative. The cleverly constructed show used juggling to negotiate complex themes such as status, gender relationships, courtship and rejection, turning each juggling act into a rich, multifaceted exploration of human interaction and social dynamics. This innovative approach elevated juggling to a method of storytelling, where every object in motion carries the weight of the jugglers’ intentions and emotions.
The perfect arrangement of music—ranging from American jazz to classical compositions to Tammy Wynette’s country hit “Stand By Your Man”—underscored the playfulness that ran like an underlying motif throughout the performance. The apple, an object of temptation, was a brilliant choice for juggling, making the subject matter even more poignant and relevant. Juggling in Smashed is presented as a new lexicon, a language full of humour even in dramatic moments. The metric rhythm of the juggling patterns created a musicality that was charming and fascinating. The concept of “social” juggling was explored as the performers hilariously shared the task of juggling a single pattern between them.
The end of the show was almost cathartic as apples and china sets were smashed in a frenzy of mischievousness and release. The perfect “drop and catch” was replaced by “drop and smash”, creating a joyous and liberating finale. Sean Gandini expressed his gratitude to the audience for choosing Smashed over the endless entertainment options on Netflix. This direct engagement with the audience, though brief, made the show both personal and universally relatable.
Smashed by Gandini Juggling was an uplifting and transformative spectacle, redefining what juggling could become in the right hands. The harmonious fusion of music, movement, and storytelling created a captivating show left me and the audience both amused and deeply inspire