RAPT by Benjamin Richter

Presented as part of UpDown Circus Festival RAPT begins with our problematic relationship to the word “more” - a concept that has brought humanity both growth and self-destruction, leaving us teetering between ecstatic pleasure and absolute catastrophe. Through the tools of contemporary juggling, a tragicomic associative journey unfolds, in which human and paper, care and waste, transience and crumpled matter become entangled.

We understand circus as an instrument for illuminating themes of life from unusual, virtuosic, or surprising perspectives. Our contemporary juggling is strongly influenced by the philosophy of object-oriented ontology, which proposes that non-human objects possess their own agency - independent of humans. On stage, an object or prop becomes an equal playing partner, and a dialogue emerges. This dialogue can expand our understanding of things, beings, and objects, and call into question any assumption of human superiority.

In RAPT, we work with grass paper composed of 60% grass fibers and 40% recycled paper. Our aim is to produce as little paper waste as possible and to continually reuse the material - with all its traces of wear and in ever-changing forms. The production is designed to be as sustainable as possible, and in the end the entire piece fits into just two suitcases. Rather than leaving an ever-greater footprint, we choose to cultivate a hopeful handprint.

Benjamin Richter is a pioneering juggling artist working at the intersections of contemporary circus and dance for over 35 years. Influenced by new materialist philosophies and clowning, he has developed a unique choreographic style encompassing his playful object-oriented and improvisational practices.