Research Labs 2025
From September 8 to 20, the first edition of Research Labs took place. We invited three artists/collectives to work simultaneously alongside and with each other on their ideas, guided by an external coach. The two weeks were open to both emerging creators and experienced circus artists who wanted to explore a new artistic direction. In addition to individual work time and personal coaching, we created space for exchange between projects and offered coaching on dramaturgy and methods for artistic research with THERE THERE Company.
We concluded with a sharing session, where the artists presented their work in a personal setting.
The artists
Polarised
Clara Köpf (DE), Leire Froufe Vigara (ES), Riccardo Marraccini (IT), and Christoph Tergau (FR) form the collective Polarized. They met in the Netherlands (Codarts & Fontys Circus) and decided to join forces. With their diverse backgrounds (circus, dance, acrobatics, costume design, and more...), they are working together on their first Chinese pole show. During Research Labs, they will merge their varied expertise and artistic practices into a collective work. Pushing their own boundaries, and those of circus, is what drives them.
Christiane Hapt
Christiane Hapt is the artistic director of Cie Fenfire, together with her partner. With over 10 years of experience in circus and object manipulation, she now explores accessibility in these domains. Her current research focuses on people who are blind or visually impaired, being personally affected. For Christiane, Research Labs is the perfect opportunity to approach circus in an entirely new way.
Nastasja & Lena
These two jugglers met during their studies at Codarts. Italian Nastasja Jagodic and German Lena Kautz each have their own unique approach to juggling, that both come together in "Barefoot In The Park". In this piece, an important role is reserved for... cress. And also for the audience! During Research Labs, they will further explore these dynamics and the opportunities they offer.
“It’s a rare chance to create simultaneously with other groups, and we are excited about the potential for collaboration and mutual learning throughout the entire process.”
“This project requires a totally new understanding and approach to circus / object manipulation, its dramaturgy and way of reading. A new path that I would like to take as a circus artist.”
“We believe that this project can contribute to the current circus scene and we see the Research Labs as an opportunity to try and find out what this contribution could be more precisely. A beginning with an open end."
The coaches
Toon Van Gramberen & Hanna Mampuys (THERE THERE Company)
NOKABE
Tijs Bastiaens (Knot on Hand)
