Loser(s) scoring a victory!
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Renowned acrobatic duo Daemen decided to raise the bar a little higher after their first major cabaret-theater experiment Lidoskop – to pull off new circus production. Petr Horníček and Zdeněk Moravec (the latter in the role of producer this time) invited for collaboration contemporary dance choreographer Jarek Cemerek, comic-beatboxer Ondřej Havlík a.k.a. En.dru, acrobats and dancers. Although the authors as well as the artists come from different disciplines and most of them have not yet worked with the new circus genre, their mix of stand-up comedy, beatbox and live music, world-class acrobatics and contemporary dance works perfectly. The production Loser(s) presented at Letní Letná Festival on August 18, 2014 proved that experience doesn’t matter so much, if there is talent and hard work.
The composition of the artists in the project is diverse: acrobats-gymnasts prevail, some of them are even champions in international competitions. In any case they are athletes who are somewhat distant from theater environment. On the other hand, contemporary dance choreographer Jarek Cemerek, dancer Jana Vrána and beatboxer En.dru, known for example for his gigs in Na Stojáka (Czech stand-up comedy show), are very adept in the theater world.
The inspiration for the show was a poem by Anne-Marie Mlezivová Fatal Shadow, which in a few lines tells the story of a relationship where one loved more than the other. The story of the production revolves around a strong woman who wants to control her own life. Men pursue her, however she does not let many closer to her heart, nor her body. Serious topic, presented in a fun package though, as a story of a film, which a stewardess turns on for passengers on board of an aircraft.
At the entrance to the circus tent the viewers get a boarding pass and a humorous sketch by Ondřej Havlík in stewardess’ costume initiates the whole performance. Making different sounds only with his mouth, using his very own charm, he can make a show from a routine demonstration of safety rules during which viewers almost cry with laughter. After this "kick off" the scene darkens and the story of the "film" begins to unfold in front of the audience. Five acrobats are a direct personification of tough guys: their plaid shirts outlining their muscles, their dancing, spiced up with saltos, flips and so-called body drumming (choreography by Carli Jefferson) radiate strength and testosterone. Beautiful and mysterious Jana Vrána in the role of femme fatale dances almost all the time on a white carpet, her personal emotional space, in which she doesn’t just let someone go. Her movements are sensually smooth and her every move is followed by a billowing red train. Acrobat Jana Telcová is a sort of her alter ego, physicality, part of her personality that is not afraid to take risks and let others closer to her body. In the acrobatic parts men throw her high above the ground, taking your breath away. A masterpiece is when she flips from the hands of her "carrier" and lands back on the same place. Her walk on the hands of men spoke of the relationship she had with them: passing one after another like cat's heads on the pavement, without bothering to look at them.
Rather strange dramaturgical choice was to break the story when the men physically struggle with one another for one woman, and transfer the setting at the World Gymnastics Championships in India, En.dru as commentator again. This sharp jump, however, was offset by a number of other impressive gymnastics, this time on wooden poles used to exercise standing on hands, accompanied by witty pseudo-Indian soundtrack.
The most touching part was the duet of Jana Vrána and Matyáš Ramba: the dancer allowed him the only access to her territory and their love dance, sensitive and without unnecessary explicit gestures, perhaps a little reminiscent of tango, involved the sincerity of love devoid of pretense and posing. Romance, however, did not last long, as the heroine could not give up her independence, which he could compromise.
Beatboxer En.dru had not only the function of guide and modern clown, he also managed to create the musical accompaniment to the entire show: beatbox, vocals, guitar and harmonica, all this managed almost simultaneously by this talented young man. With music and sounds he could completely change the atmosphere, create an impression of windstorms or Indian Bollywood. The advantage of live interaction of music and performers is evident and in this case it worked flawlessly. Even in small details the gestures were in perfect harmony with the sound.
Apart from three purely acrobatic numbers (which caused euphoric reactions in the audience), the staging of dance with acrobatics was very connected in this show: brilliantly mastered routines of contemporary dance by the acrobats deserve highlighting, as well as their ease of movement and expression that we would not expect in athletes with almost zero experience with dance. Cemerek‘s choreography is very masculine and dynamic, which fits his interprets well. The production Loser(s) is about emotional loses, but the performers themselves win big time.
At a new circus performance, we usually admire fantastic acrobatic performances, humour and a "higher" artistic dimension, which such performance should include. It should be an artistic and entertaining experience. Loser(s) have all that, and therefore they are worth seeing!
Written from August 19, 2014 performance at Letní Letná festival.
Loser(s)
Written, directed by: Jarek Cemerek
The most touching part was the duet of Jana Vrána and Matyáš Ramba: the dancer allowed him the only access to her territory and their love dance, sensitive and without unnecessary explicit gestures, perhaps a little reminiscent of tango, involved the sincerity of love devoid of pretense and posing. Romance, however, did not last long, as the heroine could not give up her independence, which he could compromise.
Beatboxer En.dru had not only the function of guide and modern clown, he also managed to create the musical accompaniment to the entire show: beatbox, vocals, guitar and harmonica, all this managed almost simultaneously by this talented young man. With music and sounds he could completely change the atmosphere, create an impression of windstorms or Indian Bollywood. The advantage of live interaction of music and performers is evident and in this case it worked flawlessly. Even in small details the gestures were in perfect harmony with the sound.
Apart from three purely acrobatic numbers (which caused euphoric reactions in the audience), the staging of dance with acrobatics was very connected in this show: brilliantly mastered routines of contemporary dance by the acrobats deserve highlighting, as well as their ease of movement and expression that we would not expect in athletes with almost zero experience with dance. Cemerek‘s choreography is very masculine and dynamic, which fits his interprets well. The production Loser(s) is about emotional loses, but the performers themselves win big time.
At a new circus performance, we usually admire fantastic acrobatic performances, humour and a "higher" artistic dimension, which such performance should include. It should be an artistic and entertaining experience. Loser(s) have all that, and therefore they are worth seeing!
Written from August 19, 2014 performance at Letní Letná festival.
Loser(s)
Written, directed by: Jarek Cemerek
Choreography: Jarek Cemerek
Body drumming: Carli Jefferson
Light design: Michal Bláha
Music: Ondřej Havlik - En.dru
Performers: Jana Telcová, Jana Vrána, Petr Horníček, Jindřich Panský, Lukáš Macháček, Matyáš Ramba, Vítek Ramba, Ondřej Havlík – En.dru Premiere: 18th August 2014
Translation: Kristina Soukupová