“Species Shifter”
A reflection on the human being in an interspecies transitional state.
PREMIERE
The future of the contemporary human is marked by a transformation from Homo sapiens into the as yet undefined human of the future – Homo technologicus: a representative of a new human species that not only functions in close interaction with technology, but is itself technologically transformed, altered and shaped by it.
The performance draws the audience’s attention to the uncertainty surrounding the future of the human species and the conditions necessary for its survival. It is unclear whom to trust, how to preserve empathy, or how to build relationships in a time when it may, perhaps, feel safer to become something else rather than remain human.
Through a subjective and deeply personal experience, a fictional model of the world, and the bodily language of pole dance, the author’s alter ego – Rose M. Diesel – observes what happens as the presence of technology slowly begins to rewrite her body, her emotions and her capacity for empathy. The pull to integrate systematically into the virtual world grows stronger than the natural instinct to rely on oneself and on other human beings.
Modular synthesizers, electronic music and a metal structure form a model of a world in which the human body and the structures of artificial intelligence operate as active processes rather than decoration. They trace the outlines of new forms of existence in which humans and technology merge into a single organism, while human fragility and passion encounter algorithmic logic and calculated randomness.
Human values transform, yet identity fractures into multiple figures and dimensions.
Choreographer and concept author – Ieva Gaurilčikaitė-Sants
Set designer, dramaturgical consultant – Krišjānis Sants
Dancer – Rose M. Diesel
Electronic music artist, composer – Leo Novus
Lighting designer – Reinis Smiltenis
Creative programmer – Rihards Vītols
Technical construction solutions – Arnis Vatašs
Graphic design – Kristīne Daukšte
Curator – Elizabete Palasiosa
Produced by dance organisation Tuvumi and Story Hub
Co-produced by Rīgas Cirks
Ieva Gaurilčikaitė-Sants is a dancer, choreographer and set designer with an international background. She holds a BA in dance from the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance, and an MA in scenography from the Latvian Academy of Arts. In 2016, Ieva co-founded the artist duo IevaKrish with Krišjānis Sants. Together they create immersive and tacit experiences, combining choreography and scenography. Their work includes guided experiences, interactive events, dance, sound, food sharing and polyphonic dance performances. They received the Latvian Dance Award for best choreographers in 2021. Together with Krišjānis, Ieva also runs TUVUMI, an independent dance organisation that fosters artistic connections between Latvia, the Baltic region and Europe.
Supported by: State Culture Capital Foundation (VKKF), Riga City Council, Erica Synths, Valmiera International Multimedia Festival, HOROS, White Night 2025
The performance takes place in English with Latvian translation.
Recommended age: 16+
During the performance, smoke, flashing and high-contrast lighting, as well as loud or sudden sound effects are used.
Due to the use of smoke, visibility may be reduced at certain moments.
Accessibility:
Wheelchair accessible;
Suitable for people with hearing impairments.
Seating in the Riga Circus arena and balcony is unnumbered, and tickets are not assigned to specific seats – upon arrival, visitors may choose the most comfortable seats within their ticket zone.
Early bird tickets are available for €20 until June 1, 2026 (subject to limited availability).
Ticket prices will increase as the performance date approaches.
