Searching for connection from Kaunas to Mexico

From Kaunas streets to international festivals in France, and now in Mexico – a performance based on the Lithuanian Council of Culture continues to travel through the world to find new ways to build a connection. The work is presented by contemporary circus artist Džiugas Kunsman (J. K.) and dancer Adrian Carlo Bibian (ACB). As early as May 31 They will present the performance in Šilutė, June 11th. – Šiauliai, June 12 – June 13 in Žagarė. – Panevezys, Biepos 18 d. – August 23 in Kretinga. – Kaišiadorys, September 10 – Alytus, September 11th. – Rumšiškės, September 14 – In Krak. November 9-15. Performances at the Espontaneo Festival, Puerto Valjarta, Mexico.

Interview with the creators – about the evolution of the performance, the experience and the upcoming tour.

– How was the performance in the background of pandemic born?

J. Q: The project began as a response to the isolation, uncertainty and social alignment caused by pandemic. It was an attempt to talk about the human connection in the world, which was increasingly foreign to information bubbles, technology adverse effects, anxiety about the future. The performance initially acted as a direct reflection to the then reality, but over time became more versatile. The message was that no matter what happens in this chaotic world, we, as human beings, are still looking for ways to be together.

AC Bibian: When we started making this performance, the symbols of the pandemic were everywhere. I remember, in one part of the performance, we tied our eyes with a disposable medical mask – then it had a clear meaning. Today, the mask on stage would cause completely different emotions, so we replaced it with a scarf. With over 40 shows, the performance has improved – today it is even more lively and playful than at the beginning.

Insecction: Artists are able to connect with the audience and include it in the performance process. / Photo by organizers

– Where is it easier to make a connection – in big cities or smaller cities?

J. Q: The human connection has no borders, but both cities and regions are very important to us. Of course, this tour is to make the modern circus and dance not only available to metropolitan audiences. Our goal is not only to show, but also to connect, to hear, to be together. Sometimes we go to places where culture seems harder to reach, and at first it seems to be difficult. But this is where often the most unexpected and sincerity of meetings with the audience.

ACB: Each place has its own atmosphere – we feel like a rock concert in some places, and in another – in a slow dance with a stranger. But the moments are most stuck when you see a man with a suit dancing near the barefoot child – then there are no spectators or performers left. Everyone becomes equal, no matter their age or origin. Such a fusion, a sense of community is one of the strongest experiences in this project. Only people who are pleased with the same atmosphere remain. I am always attracted to smaller towns, with special hospitality.

– How did you combine circus and dance?

J. Q: I come from the circus, Carlo from dance. In the beginning we were afraid that one area could overshadow the other, but we managed to find a balance. The performance is neither a circus with dance elements nor a dance with acrobatics. Here, both genres are equivalently intertwined. We love to say that if we ever get angry, it will end in a dance duel or a dramatic standing on our hands. (laughs)

– Why is Mexico important on the route of this performance?

ACB: I have been living in Lithuania for some time and have always dreamed of combining scenes of this country and Mexico. I am delighted that there have been favorable circumstances and our performance has entered the Espontaneo Festival. “WHERE DO I Connect?” Not only a significant cultural but also a historical event that brings two distant countries together, this is the first performance of the Lithuanian contemporary circus and dance in Mexico!

Each place has its own atmosphere – we feel like a rock concert in some places, and in another – in a slow dance with a stranger.

J. Q: We are grateful that we can continue the journey of this performance. Interestingly, the performance began in my hometown of Kaunas, and it will end in Carlo’s birthplace – Puerto Valjarta, at the Pacific. Until then, we will have nine shows in Lithuania – we will visit Šilutė, Žagarė, Šiauliai, Panevėžys, Kretinga, Kaišiadorys, Alytus, Rumšiškės and Krakes. In fact, maybe we even set up too much, but we wanted to show the performance in a variety of areas as possible, so we divided the tour into two parts – summer and autumn.

ACB: Yes, we will go to Mexico in the fall. I look forward to the return, though for a short while. Now I consider myself a Kaunas resident, but I want to introduce my culture to my colleagues as well. I am glad we will travel there.

– Is this the last stop?

J. Q: While the performance is still relevant to the people, as long as we feel connected to the audience, we want to show it. It is important to emphasize that “WHERE DO I Connect?” We are not only a project of cultural dissemination, but also a way to knit live, sincere dialogue with different communities. We want not only to show, but to listen, to be together. We try to create a space of unconditional confidence for at least a short time. We are already thinking about the future – new creative steps and plans. But now all the focus is on the intense tour of Lithuania and Mexico, which will start on Saturday, which we hope will not only give new experiences, but will also give people unforgettable moments.