Acrobatic Conundrum premieres “the Language of Chance”: two takes on contemporary circus, one extraordinary evening of new works.

Since its debut in 2012 Acrobatic Conundrum has taken artistic risks to inspire and connect with audiences through the medium of circus arts. “The Language of Chance,” follows suit on a grander scale, with two new works created exclusively for the troupe. Both pieces are inspired by themes from an enigmatic story from magical realist author Jorge Luis Borges, The Library of Babel.

Seattle choreographer/director KT Niehoff created the first piece, “A Book is not a Ladder,” in which contemporary dance and circus meld in a visually stunning world. Niehoff designed the striking set and costumes, and made the original sound score in collaboration with electronic musician Pietro Ravanni. In the piece, the acrobats find themselves at odds between the sensations of falling forever, and the Sisyphean task of looking for story in a nonsensical world.

Elizabeth Klob—director of the UMO Ensemble—created the second piece in collaboration with the company. The work evokes a tale of missed connections and serendipitous endings, told using through physical theater, clown, and circus arts. With an original scenography and additional music by Ravanni, the piece transports viewers on an unexpected, labyrinthian journey.

This group of acrobats blur the lines between dance, theater, and circus, inventing their own form of storytelling. This piece is the must-see circus event of the season.