NO DEFINITIONS. JUST CIRCUS

EDITORIAL

As any other art form, contemporary circus is commonly expected to explain itself, to define itself and occupy a clear space in the spectrum of stage arts today. At DYNAMO, circus is a universe of “untameable creativity;” a field where range and diversity take priority over definition and uniformity. This publication will not tell you what contemporary circus is – not because it wants to be vague or eclectic, but because to state a definition is to lay a trap, to confine the genre to limits, and create situations of exclusion, when some artists or visions risk being left out.

This magazine aims to take the pulse of where in its evolution circus is today (particularly in Denmark), through articles, essays, poems, and interviews selected to offer a glimpse into the abundance of creativity and diversity of expression; the range and depth of talent – an immaterial backstage of circus, occupied by thoughts, emotions, memories, and visions.

This issue looks at four main elements that, at one point or another, might prevail in the work of the contributors: genre, body, object, and balance. Some engage with the GENRE itself and recognise its indefinable qualities; others turn towards the BODY, lending their own to the process of exploring themes and topics relevant to us all; some embrace the OBJECT as the grounding element in their being and thinking in circus; while others use BALANCE as a driving philosophy for creating.

Journalist Michael Eigtved sets a frame for the history of traditional and contemporary circus in Denmark, while Archaos co-director Guy Carrara recalls the first contact of the iconic French company with Scandinavia. Producer and curator Lina B. Frank gives a beautiful account of intellectually swimming against the current, when it comes to defining contemporary circus. At the interdisciplinary borders of circus with dance, performance, and visual arts, artists Kitt Johnson and Iona Kewney recall their encounter with circus, in an interview and essay, respectively. Juggling master Jay Gilligan speaks of innovation in juggling, while aerial rope artist Tom Brand reflects on the paradoxical grounding this apparatus offers. Hula hoop artist and clown performer Giedrė Degutytė writes a poem to frame her artistic enquiries. Artist and choreographer Rebecka Nord, artists collective Right Way Down, and artist and creator Sade Kamppila recount their latest productions – all stories of support, togetherness, and collective creativity.

Taken separately, the following articles show individual energy, passion, and dedication. Taken together, they show interconnectedness and similar experiences – proof of our collective, shared (albeit short) past of contemporary circus, and indication of our common goal for the future. //

Elena Stanciu

Editor

More info: https://dynamoworkspace.dk/for...

Cover photo by Cosmin Cirstea