A double bill of contraditions.
Monki’s 60% Banana
In 60% Banana, Benjamin Monki Kuitenbrouwer provides an optimistic view on humanity in a brand-new format: a circus conference. An energetic acrobatic lecture, in which he uses his skills to tell the audience about the hopeful developments in the world. Using coloured elastic bands, he forms metres-high graphs between several poles. With data on extreme poverty, war victims and – among other things – population growth, Professor Monki swings, climbs and sways between his poles to make his point. He drags us along in his conviction that our view of mankind is in dire need of change.
Hendrik Van Maele’s Ways of being ready
Ways of being ready is a live encounter between two lifelong friends. One of them is trained as an acrobat, the other as a mime actor. One of them often comes too late, the other too early. One of them pulls off his nails, the other bites them. Both are looking for ways to be ready for the inevitable.
In their joint play, these two friends no longer strive for completion. They practiced and still practice the art of being ready, even though it is not a place where anyone ever arrives. In this physical encounter, they know how to pre-load the moment with their practiced bodies. This moment is wonderfully directionless and full of possibilities.
Hendrik Van Maele and Elliot Dehaspe are in a constant negotiation about distance and intimacy. For while they seek the unexpected in extremis, they make an honest attempt to recognize the potential of each moment.
This event is part of This is not a circus, a Dutch circus showcase
Photos: Hanneke Meijer and Jona Harnischmacher