Riga breathes to the rhythm of trees

On 15 and 16 November 2024, the storied walls of Rīgas Cirks came alive with the rustle of leaves and the resonant heartbeat of trees. One Two Three, and Now You Are a Tree!, the latest participatory performative output of the BETA CIRCUS project, unfolded as part of Nuit du Cirque 2024, weaving together art, nature, and community in an unforgettable journey. Under the mentorship of Marleen Scholten [NL], participatory theatre makers Krista Burāne and Mārtiņš Eihe [LV], alongside contemporary circus artists Ana Jordão [PT] and Vincent Kollar [DE], joined forces with a spirited group of Latvian participants to explore the profound connections between humans and trees.

This unique creation posed timeless questions: If we listened closely, could we hear the pulse of trees in our own veins? If trees revealed their names, would we greet them as kin? And in a world yearning for balance, what can we learn from their silent strength? Through shared stories, movement, and moments of quiet reflection, participants and audiences alike were drawn into the intricate dance of care between people and the natural world.

The performance brought to life the whispers of ancient forests, inviting all who took part to slow down and recognise the shared rhythms that bind human and non-human life. From the tender touch of bark to the whispered tales of a Linden tree, the experience resonated as an ode to coexistence, offering a vision of harmony where trees and people thrive together. As the curtains fell on this poetic exploration, One Two Three, and Now You Are a Tree! left a lasting impression – a celebration of roots, care, and the delicate equilibrium of life. In the heart of Riga, art and nature intertwined, creating a fleeting yet profound connection that will continue to echo in the minds and hearts of all who were part of it.