Residency - Danka Sekulović - showing & workshop 8.11.2025.
Danka Sekulović – It’s OK to Hypnotize a Chicken, but Rabbits Get Traumatized
Residency of the Circus Residential Network in collaboration with ROOM 100
Nov 8th, 10 - 13h, Mediterranean Dance Center
In November, Danka Sekulović, contemporary circus artist from Belgrade, joins the Mediterranean Dance Center for a residency as part of the Circus Residential Network, in collaboration with Room 100.
During her one-week stay in Svetvinčenat, the artist will continue developing her new project It’s OK to Hypnotize a Chicken, but Rabbits Get Traumatized. On Nov 8, she will present her work to the public through a showing and artist talk (10:00), followed by a partner acrobatics workshop (11:00–13:00) intended for participants aged 16 and above.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
In It’s OK to Hypnotize a Chicken, but Rabbits Get Traumatized, the artist uses the discipline of antipodism to explore different reactions to trauma. The work is inspired by the feeling of shame and the constant pressure to engage with every struggle and injustice that unfolds daily—whether that pressure is self-imposed or socially driven. Without taking a neutral stance, the “hypnotizer” can embody both chaotic evil and chaotic good, which makes it unwise to trust them, even though our survival instincts tell us to relax and surrender.
The title refers to the fact that chickens are easily hypnotized and can then simply “shake it off” as if nothing happened. Rabbits, on the other hand, also fall easily into hypnosis but remain panicked afterwards, as if the memory of losing control still hovers above them.
This difference in resilience mirrors the variety of human responses to trauma – or even to everyday discomfort.
The project combines juggling and balancing on (slightly larger) juggling balls, bringing together two circus techniques with contrasting rhythms. The result is a dynamic yet fragile portrait of trauma, created in a spirit of play and adventure, while constantly questioning the illusion of control over one’s emotions and reactions.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Danka Sekulović (1985) is a dramaturge, puppeteer, and contemporary circus performer. After completing her studies, she worked in theatre as a dramaturge and assistant director. For the past thirteen years, she has been a member of Cirkusfera, an association dedicated to the development of contemporary circus in the Balkans.
Within Cirkusfera, she works as a performer, educator, pedagogue, author, and part of the CirkoBalkana festival team. She performs as a base in partner acrobatics and as an antipodist, and recently launched a theoretical project titled Theory as Acrobatics for the Brain, aimed at exploring contemporary circus from a theoretical perspective.
PARTNER ACROBATICS WORKSHOP
Partner acrobatics includes positions and transitions performed in pairs or small groups. There are three equally important roles: Base, the person who remains in contact with the ground and provides support; Flyer, the person lifted or balanced in the air; Spotter, the person ensuring safety and assisting both base and flyer. Throughout the workshop, participants will go through preparatory exercises and various transitions. The workshop is open to participants aged 16 and above, limited to 15 participants, and lasts 2 hours.
REGISTRATION
Participation is free, with an option for a voluntary donation.
No previous dance experience is required – participants only need comfortable clothing and an open mind!
Applications are mandatory and should be sent to rezervacije@mediteranskiplesnicentar.hr no later than Friday, Nov 7, 2025. The number of participants is limited, and selection will be based solely on the order of received applications.