First Spanish circus dramaturgy in the 12th Programme for the Development of Contemporary Dramaturgies – 2024. INAEM.
With the support of the Contemporary Creation Grants from the Madrid City Council 2024–2025.
Synopsis
“The fantastic world of legend cannot be separated from the real world; rather, it is completely absorbed by it.”
— Linda Dégh, folklorist
We are faced with the last three trolls on the planet, on the verge of extinction due to humanoid boredom. But the trolls have no intention of giving up: they will perform all kinds of displays, brutalities, and foolishness to captivate humans.
All of it to make them believe once again in the mystery and magic of the unknown—and thus, stay alive.
The Trolls
Monstrous figures from Norse mythology, created to keep children away from the forest at night, for fear of ending up as soup. They are known for being clumsy and foolish.
The origin of the word “troll” is uncertain, as is their appearance.
The bases
Darío Dumont, Paco Caravaca, and Emilio Arquillo.
Three acrobatic bases without a flyer to toss into the air.
“One must be careful with myths and legends: among strange beings
and seemingly supernatural events lie truths
that help us understand life and enrich us as individuals.
They give meaning to existence.”
— Bengt af Klintberg, Swedish folklorist, ethnologist, and poet
About the Show
For all audiences — 50 minutes — Street and Indoor
A truly fantastic and bizarre circus show, where nothing is logical and nothing works as it should.
A continuous series of mistakes, a constant clash designed to provoke conflict, fear, and laughter.
The performance blends the visual art of Swedish artist Anna Jonsson with the circus techniques of three performers from southern Spain.
Circus techniques:
Acrobatic lifts, balances, juggling, teeterboard, slapstick, and clowning.
Scenic Space
A fundamental pillar of the company and our creations is the scenic design, led by visual artist Anna Jonsson. The costumes, props, and puppetry have all been designed and handcrafted by her.
Born in northern Sweden, Anna is also a major inspiration for the troll world we present, having grown up among forests steeped in Norse mythology and stories told by her mother—stories she has passed on to her daughter, Greta, the director of the show.
The wooden boxes used for balancing have been hand-painted to evoke forests, hinting at figures hidden among the branches. Costumes and a large blanket serving as the trolls’ dwelling have been handwoven from recycled fabric using crochet techniques. On stage, the trolls also weave, reflecting the handiwork of our mothers and grandmothers, giving a homemade and playful style to the troll world.
Anna also created the narrator character, and using repurposed sweaters, she crafted heads with grotesque embroidered faces that double as juggling props.
A body of work that cannot be measured in hours, only in pure love.
Artistic Team
Artistic Direction and Dramaturgy: Greta García
Circus Creation and Performers: Darío Dumont, Emilio Arquillo, and Paco Caravaca
Design, Set, Costume, and Props: Anna Jonsson
Music: Morten Jespersen
Clown Direction Assistant: Lolo Fernández
Props and Costume Assistant: Arielle Swinkels
Scenic Construction Assistant: En Ascuas Forja
Production: Darío Dumont
Photography: Andrés Castillo, Luis Montero, and Yessica Corpas