MAT

On a stage of mats, seven acrobats explore the art of falling. They challenge themselves and each other to take risks, to aim higher, and to fall, fall again—each time better. But when you sink deep, how do you get back up? With the mat as their main sparring partner, this circus performance tells a story about performance pressure and fear of failure, about daring to leap and persevering. Because success is one thing, but there’s just as much to learn from falling and rising again. And if anyone understands this principle, it’s an acrobat.

MAT is a Dutch-Flemish production by TENT and Common Ground, showcasing brilliant acrobatics while celebrating the beauty of failure and the freedom in embracing it.

After the success of the site-specific performance PIT, the directors of MAT, Zinzi Oegema and Hanneke Meijers, collaborate once more. Zinzi has toured internationally with her collective Common Ground as well as with her acrobatic partner Evertjan Mercier. The multi-talented Hanneke is a graphic designer and one of the three directors of TENT, a home for contemporary circus in Amsterdam. The musical composition is by My Blue Van in collaboration with basbeenackersmusic, and the lighting design is by Wouter Moscou.

Press

• "The performance is subtle and carefully constructed, a delight to watch. The music is stunning, and the towers of acrobats are outstanding." – Theaterkrant

• "Zinzi Oegema and Hanneke Meijers explore all forms of falling in the energetic MAT: from short and rigid to gracefully high with a double somersault." – de Volkskrant

More info

www.tent.eu 
www.zinzi-evertjan.com

By Zinzi/TENT presented by TENT, Common Ground en Split Second direction Zinzi Oegema performers Jean-Mario Milanese, Kira Rabenstein, Yahel Retter, Josse Roger, Nikki Rummer/Anouck Le Roy, Jemma Sneddon, Freya Stokka co-direction, design and concept Hanneke Meijers choreography Piet van Dycke outside eye Kasper Vandenberghe music My Blue Van/basbeenackersmusic costumes and set design Saskia de Zee, Tina Mastellone lighting design Wouter Moscou production creation & touring technician Arnold Schut production touring Majlen Hoogeveen, Hanneke Meijers marketing Ruth Verraes, Marieke van Oosten campaign image Matusiak, Gerrit Schreurs sales Thassos (BE), Ellen Blom ID (NL) producer TENT (NL), Common Ground (BE) co-production CIRKLABO, PERPLX, Circuswerkplaats Dommelhof made possible with the support of Fonds Podiumkunsten (NL), Amsterdams Fonds voor de Kunst (NL), De Vlaamse Overheid (BE), Fonds21 (NL), Het Cultuurfonds (NL), Keep an Eye Foundation (NL), Young Art Support Amsterdam (NL) partners Jacksons Lane (VK), Split Second (VK), ATOLL Festival (DE)