Programme of the Archa Theatre for August 2001
Friday, August 17
8 p.m.
Total Masala Slammer
Heartbreak No 5
A European-American-Indian multimedia theatre project combining dance, theatre, video-projection, art installations and music. A visual and movement confrontation of J. W. Goethe, Bollywood and traditional Indian art of Kathak in a story of romantic love.
In their work, famous Belgian theatre director Michael Laub and visual artist Marina Abramovic are fascinated by two extremes of Indian culture: on one side, the purity of classical Indian dance and art Kathak; on the other hand, the triviality of soap operas and kitschy TV series produced by "Bollywood" (the Indian version of American Hollywood). "Bollywood" soap operas are full of emotions of excitement- laughter, weeping, horror … When mixed they become a unique mixture - "masala". Michael Laub presents a story of romantic love which moves to the furthest edge of this genre. It is a confrontation of the text of J. W. Goethe and the typical "Bollywood" soap opera. Here, one can also find motives that are typical of today's Indian movies - sex and violence portrayed in their fascinating kitsch beauty. Total Masala Slammer combines tragedy and triviality, fiction and realism, dance and play, as well as elements of music and art.
The project has been in preparation since 1999, in various cities such as Berlin, New York and Indian Mumbai. The World premier will take place in Berlin in the Hebbel-Theater on August 10th, 2001. The Prague performances begin the European tour prior to its performances in Zürich, Aarhus and Venice.
Concept, direction: Michael Laub, Artistic Consultant: Marina Abramovic, Music: Larry Steinbachek, Atul Desai, Sunayana Hazarilal, Kumudini Lakhia, Choreography: Dennis O'Connor, Sunayana Hazarilal, Kumudini Lakhia, Michael Laub.
Saturday, August 18
8 p.m.
Total Masala Slammer
Heartbreak No 5
Sunday, August 19
8 p.m.
Total Masala Slammer
Heartbreak No 5