You are cordially invited to a tea party that you will never forget…

Smashed takes a witty look at forbidden fruit and the fraying relationship between seven men and two women. Traditional juggling meets contemporary circus alongside 100 apples and a troupe of masterful performers. 

A series of nostalgic, cinematic scenes explore conflict, tense relationships, lost love, and afternoon tea. Set against a soundtrack featuring popular songs ranging from Tammy Wynette to Music Hall and Bach. 

Inspired by the work of the great choreographer, Pina Bausch, director Sean Gandini and Kati Ylä-Hokkala have borrowed elements of her distinct choreography and combined them with the intricate patterns and cascades of solo and ensemble juggling. This funny, inventive, and characterful work will challenge your perception of juggling.

Creative Team

Director: Sean Gandini

Lighting designer: Mark Jonathan 

Assistant director: Kati Ylä-Hokkala, 

Dramaturgy: John-Paul Zaccarini 

Jugglers since 2010: Michael Antony Bell, Sean Gandini, Tedros Girmaye, Doreen Grossmann, Kim Huynh, Antoni Klemm, Sakari Männistö, Chris Pattfield, Owen Reynolds, Ben Richter, Carlos Romero Martin, Iñaki Sastre, Niels Siedel, Arron Sparks, Malte Steinmetz, José Triguero Delgado, Jon Udry, Kati Ylä-Hokkala, Cecilia Zucchetti 

Press

"Here, juggling becomes flights of inspired poetry, musical choreography with strong dance elements, crazy-comedy surrealism, breathtakingly dexterous virtuosity, darkly absurdist drama. Gandini opens windows in the mind." New York Times and chief dance critic Alastair MaCualay