What happens when chaos and order meet? ProperMess is a playful exploration of the clash between these polar opposites, impersonated by Mr Proper and Miss Mess. 

He is setting up for the show, setting everything in perfect order, aligning props with a ruler, cleaning the street and setting generous safety distances. When it’s perfect, she shows up finally, late as always. 

What follows are four main acts of their impromptu show. An initial argument and almost fight in which they play with flaming balls. While their style is clearly different they end up doing surprisingly beautiful movements together, without even noticing, being so caught up in their argument. Afterwards they technically compete for audience appreciation with their “solos” where she tries to spice up his boring act and he tries to control her fire. Her seemingly dangerous interferences turn into unexpected tricks while his vigilance more than once saves her from falling and setting herself on fire. In consequence they finally come together, balancing risk and stability in a dynamic partner acrobatic duo, creating a proper mess. 

The set up is a 5 metre high aerial tripod. The show includes various conventional fireprops, like jumping ropes, hula hoops, partner pois as well as some less common tools like fire aerial hoop or lycopodium effects. Both the performers have extensive experience in fire performance but have since expanded towards aerial and partner acrobatics. The duo is exploring new ways of combining dynamic partner acrobatics with contact staff manipulation. Contact staff dance and foot juggling in two-high as well as balancing hand to hand on a stick.

The result is a high energy and entertaining show that has no shortage of technique but is moved along by humour and most of all playfulness. 

They won the 2nd prize of the public award in Festival Spoffin in 2022.

Performers: Sophie Zoletnik and Lennart Paar

Video credits: Teaser: Dreamduo Films, Gundars Magone & Reinis Kaspars /Trailer: János Szabó, Mr Copini, Christian Chladni Edit: Lennart Paar

Photo: Laszlo Roth, Péter Nemesházi, Roztoc Fest, Mittelfest

Sponsors, partners: Inspiral Circus Center, Firebirds Productions