Gandini Juggling is an ever-evolving ensemble made up of a virtuosic core group of jugglers, they regularly expand to include up to 20 performers for specially commissioned events and performances. In 1991, Sean Gandini co-founded Gandini Juggling with Kati Ylä-Hokkala, and together they have been at the forefront of experiments into what juggling is and what juggling can be.
Now, as part of MimeLondon 2025, Gandini Juggling brings Heka to The Place. The show draws inspiration from the intricate connection between juggling and magic with Sean Gandini, whose artistic journey began in Havana half a century ago, revisiting his magical roots in this hybrid performance. Gandini himself co-directs and performs in the work alongside Ylä-Hokkala, Kate Boschetti, Tedros Girmaye, Kim Huynh, Sakari Männistö and Yu-Hsien Wu.
Ahead of opening, we caught up with Gandini to find out more about Heka.
Q&A with Sean Gandini
What can you tell us about Heka?
Heka looks at juggling through a magic filter and vice versa. It’s a cheeky journey through a series of sequences that attempt, in one way or another, to trick the eye. We had the privilege of working with two remarkable magicians, Kalle Neo and Yann Frisch, who were immensely helpful and generous.
What was the original inspiration for the production?
A famous German magician, after seeing one of our shows a few years ago, said he loved our work but what a shame it wouldn’t work with magic. This comment lingered in our minds for years, and eventually, we thought, Let’s try and combine these two worlds. I come from a magic background—I was a child magician—so it feels like returning to my roots.
What is it like to be taking the show to MimeLondon for its UK premiere?
We love the environment they create and the audiences they’ve nurtured over the years. It’s always a pleasure to be part of something so special.
You’re also touring the show—will it change at all during the tour?
The show is like a child. After a few performances, it starts to take on a life of its own. It’s constantly evolving.
During the festival, you’re running a range of workshops—how important is it for you to engage with people in this way?
We love sharing the joy we get from magic and juggling with others. It’s a chance to connect and spread the wonder these art forms bring us.
Is there anything you hope audiences take away from the production?
A sense of silliness and wonder—mostly silliness!
Heka is at The Place, London from 30 January to 1 February 2025
MimeLondon runs in venues across London from 14 January to 2 February 2025. Read our full coverage of the 2025 festival here
