Ben Wendel’s life turned upside-down when he traded in his career in Neurobiology for a life on the trapeze. Since then, Ben and his wife, Rachel Nehmer, known together as Duo Madrona, have logged thousands of performances in prestigious venues in the United States and Europe, including 16 different productions at Teatro Zinzanni. Whether as a russian gypsy, mafioso thug, wobbly-legged sea captain, extreme egyptologist, mayor or monster, Ben has an ability to bring to life a wide range of lovable and absurd characters. Hollywood and Vine marks the debut of Ben’s aerial collaboration with long-time friend and colleague, Mick Holsbeke. Ben lives in Seattle and is the proud father of two.