IrisvanderLinden

A Playful Rebellion of Everyday Objects

Sat, 18 Mar 2023 17:27:29 GMT

An Object Theatre Slapstick that Challenges Our Relationship with Everyday Objects

In "Micro… de dingen komen in opstand," everyday objects take centre stage in a lively object theatre slapstick that challenges traditional notions of theatre. Directed by Ulrike Quade and co-created by Joeri Vos and Gerjan Piksen, the play is a whimsical exploration of the personalities and perspectives of the objects that surround us. Through its imaginative use of object theatre, 'Micro... de dingen komen in opstand' invites audiences to consider the lives and perspectives of everyday objects, challenging us to reflect on our relationships with the material world and the value we place on things."

Sonja van Ojen and Hendrik Kegels bring to life a world where objects typically relegated to the background in family dramas and love stories are given their moment to shine. A plastic bottle, a curtain, and a blotch of paint refuse to be treated as "discarded" and "unimportant" and instead become the stars of the show. A light switch shares his story with a captivated audience, a fire extinguisher professes its love for the ever-burning emergency lighting, and an electrical outlet finally gets to ask its big existential question.

While the play doesn't have a traditional narrative structure, it weaves together vignettes that showcase the unique value of things. The play starts with a mop car talking about how they are fed up with not being taken serious anymore. The object theatre techniques used are impressive, with the objects being manipulated through carefully choreographed movements and sound effects. The play's humour and absurdism invite audiences to engage with the objects on a deeper level, encouraging them to think about how we treat the objects we use every day.

During the play objects become more than just inanimate things; they are given personalities, desires, and dreams. The play invites us to see the world through the eyes of the objects we interact with every day and to reflect on the value we place on them. It's a thought-provoking and entertaining production that celebrates the potential of everyday objects to tell engaging stories.

The production is a testament to the creativity and skill of its creators. The object theatre techniques used are masterful, with the objects coming to life in a way that feels both natural and magical. The use of sound effects and lighting add to the immersive experience, transporting the audience into a world where objects have personalities and lives of their own.

"Micro... de dingen komen in opstand" is a unique and thought-provoking play that challenges traditional notions of theatre and invites audiences to reconsider their relationship with everyday objects. Through the use of object theatre techniques and a humorous and absurd tone, the play gives voice to the inanimate objects that we often take for granted. Ultimately, the production invites reflection on our relationship with waste and encourages us to consider the unique value of the things around us.

Hand-Some Tales told through Hand-Made Theatre

Sat, 18 Mar 2023 17:03:43 GMT

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Have you ever been moved to tears by watching a performance featuring only hands? The play "Cold Blood" takes the art of hand gestures to a whole new level, creating a mesmerizing and imaginative work of theater. Directed by Jaco van Dormael and choreographed by Michèle Anne De Mey, this unique and bold production challenges traditional notions of theater, demonstrating the immense power of non-human actors.

From the very start, "Cold Blood" captivates the audience with its use of hands as the "actors." The hands are dressed in costumes and portrayed in detail on a large screen, creating an intimate and surreal world where the hands become the focal point of the play. Each vignette explores a different theme, from love and loss to mortality and human connection, and is presented with a creative and imaginative use of hand gestures.

Despite the lack of traditional actors, the hand "actors" are anything but lifeless. They move with grace and intention, conveying a range of emotions that draw the audience into the story and characters. The play's use of lighting, shadows, and sound effects creates a surreal and atmospheric world that enhances the emotional impact of the production. The production is a true masterpiece that pushes the limits of traditional theater. It is a bold and innovative approach to storytelling that reminds us of the power of non-human actors in theater.

The play raises important questions about the potential of theater as a medium of expression, showing how much can be communicated through body language and hand gestures alone. The production features a series of vignettes that explore various themes, each of which is a testament to the power of the human hand. Whether portraying a romantic encounter or a death, the hands on stage never fail to captivate and move the audience. The play's unique use of multimedia elements, such as projections and lighting effects, creates a truly immersive experience that transports the viewer into a surreal and intimate world.

"Cold Blood" is a thought-provoking and mesmerizing work of art that will leave you in awe. It's a testament to the creativity and imagination of its creators, who have managed to push the boundaries of what is possible on stage. The play is a reminder that sometimes, the most unconventional approaches can result in the most memorable and impactful experiences. A true masterpiece that will leave you in awe, reminding us of the immense potential of theater as a medium of expression. It is a must-see production for anyone interested in the potential of theater to move and inspire.

The Trash Takes the Stage

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 21:09:31 GMT

Rejecting Human Actors in Favor of Garbage in 'De Volle Vuilkar'

Have you ever wondered how your garbage feels after you’ve thrown it out? In the Dutch theatre play "De Volle Vuilkar," it is finally the garbage's turn to shine again and talk trash about the people who threw them away. "De Volle Vuilkar" challenges traditional notions of theatre by rejecting human actors in favor of garbage trucks and rubbish, a bold choice that pays off in spades. The garbage truck itself becomes the star of the show, and the use of multimedia elements helps to create a dreamlike atmosphere that is both mesmerizing and thought-provoking.

Written by Belgian actor and writer Josse De Pauw and directed by Guy Cassiers, "De Volle Vuilkar" has received critical acclaim for its innovative use of multimedia and imaginative approach to storytelling. It's worth noting that an actual garbage truck was rebuilt into a small theatre space where the garbage resides, and mechanics are used in conjunction with lighting and special effects to bring the garbage to life. Through clever lighting and projection design, the trash on stage takes on a life of its own, moving and shifting in unexpected ways and becoming a character in its own right.

Upon entering the garbage truck, the audience is met with a lane of garbage in black and white colors. A discarded burger begins reminiscing about the good old days when it was still fresh, and soon, the rest of the garbage joins in. An old toy plane takes its final flight, a broken jacket zips itself up one more time, and a smashed radio plays its last song. As the audience witnesses these poignant moments, they can't help but reflect on the objects they've thrown away in the past and feel a sense of empathy for the garbage. In "De Volle Vuilkar," the garbage isn't just a pile of rubbish, it's a star in its own right. The waste takes on a personality as it moves and interacts with the world around it. The play's surrealist imagery and poetic language further enhance the garbage's character, turning it into a symbol of contemporary humans' throwaway culture and a reminder of the importance of environmental consciousness.

"De Volle Vuilkar" is a visually stunning and intellectually engaging production that challenges traditional notions of theatre, showing that even the most inanimate objects can turn into a vessel for theatre. It's proof that even the most inanimate objects can become a vehicle for theatre, and that sometimes, one person's trash really can be another person's treasure. If you're looking for a play that will challenge your expectations and push the boundaries of what is possible on stage, "De Volle Vuilkar" is not to be missed.