2023 | Ship. Bridge. Body | Theatre of Playwrights
In “Ship. Bridge. Body.” dramatic text fragments and personal stories are combined with 90s hits, percussion, piano pieces and songs. The performance is carried by the dynamic and affectionate relationship that the performers and musicians enter into with each other. Entertaining, shrill, touching.
The musical performance was developed by 16 artists from Ukraine, Germany, Italy and Georgia in residencies in the Ukrainian Carpathians, Leipzig and Dresden. Initiated by the Theatre of Playwrights/театр драматургів – a theater that should have opened in Kiev on March 12, 2022 and is directed by a collective of 20 Ukrainian playwrights.
There will be an audience discussion afterwards.
Cast & Credits
Idea, organization, curation: Julia Gonchar, Alina Rashko and Anastasiia Seheda
Text draft: Liudmyla Tymoshenko, Oksana Savchenko, Julia Gonchar
Workshop leader and director: Roza Sarkisian
Participating artists: Nadiya Alunova, Serzh Avdey, Olena Avdieva, Serhij Bazhenov, Olena Bohdan, Dudu Dudunia, Elena Francalanci, Sergiy Glybin, Iride Hasanova, Maryna Ianina, Alona Kowalenko, Martina Lisa
A cooperation of Theatre of Playwrights, Schaubühne Lindenfels and HELLERAU – European Center for the Arts.
The project is supported by the European Cultural Foundation within the framework of the Culture of Solidarity Fund, by the Fonds Darstellende Künste within the framework of Neustart Kultur: #TakeHeart, realized by the Bündnis internationaler Produktionshäuser, the Netzwerk freier Theater and by the flausen+bundesnetzwerk as well as with scholarships for Ukrainian artists by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.
20 Ukrainian playwrights joined forces in February 2020 to create a theater in which the text is at the center of the theatrical work. The Theatre of Playwrights/Театр Драматургів is a platform for the presentation of texts as well as for the exchange of experiences and further education of playwrights:inside with the aim of strengthening the author:inside role in Ukrainian society. The Theatre of Playwrights/Театр Драматургів is financed by sponsors, grants, ticket sales and voluntary donations.
The musical performance was developed by 16 artists from Ukraine, Germany, Italy and Georgia in residencies in the Ukrainian Carpathians, Leipzig and Dresden. Initiated by the Theatre of Playwrights/театр драматургів – a theater that should have opened in Kiev on March 12, 2022 and is directed by a collective of 20 Ukrainian playwrights.
There will be an audience discussion afterwards.
Ship. Bridge. Body, presented by Theatre of Playwrights, is a deeply evocative and thought-provoking production that delves into the incomprehensible nature of the russian war of aggression on Ukraine. With an impressive collaborative effort from Julia Gonchar, Alina Rashko, Anastasiia Seheda, based on the texts by Liudmyla Tymoshenko, Oksana Savchenko, Julia Gonchar, and directed by Roza Sarkisian, this performance explores themes of war, resilience, and the human body.
The premiere on June 28, 2023, at the Dresden Art Centre captivated the audience with its fragmented narrative and powerful imagery. The performance consists of scenes and chaotic moments, skillfully enacted by Nadiya Alunova, Serzh Avdey, Olena Avdieva, Serhij Bazhenov, Olena Bohdan, Dudu Dudunia, Elena Francalanci, Sergiy Glybin, Iride Hasanova, Maryna Ianina, Alona Kowalenko, and Martina Lisa. Their performances evoke a wide range of emotions, depicting the consequences of war, the resilience of the human spirit, and the shattered dreams of individuals caught in the midst of unprovoked agression.
Ship. Bridge. Body utilizes various artistic elements, including video projections, powerful musical performances, and physical movements, to create a collage that reflects the experiences of Ukrainian artists who have been displaced by the war. It is a poignant reminder that reality can often be harsher and more complex than any written text.
Throughout 60 minutes, the performance maintains a captivating hold on the audience's attention. Moments of intensity, including trance-like drumming and raw vocal performances, are juxtaposed with moments of despair and suffering portrayed by contorted bodies. The collision of dance and disorganized movements creates a visually striking and emotionally charged atmosphere.
In this collage of emotions and fragmented narratives, Ship. Bridge. Body invites the audience to contemplate the impact of war, the human condition, and the power of art in the face of adversity. It serves as a testament to the strength and creativity of Ukrainian artists, reminding us that reality can be both devastating and resilient beyond any written description.
Idea, organization, curation: Julia Gonchar, Alina Rashko and Anastasiia Seheda
Text draft: Liudmyla Tymoshenko, Oksana Savchenko, Julia Gonchar
Workshop leader and director: Roza Sarkisian
Participating artists: Nadiya Alunova, Serzh Avdey, Olena Avdieva, Serhij Bazhenov, Olena Bohdan, Dudu Dudunia, Elena Francalanci, Sergiy Glybin, Iride Hasanova, Maryna Ianina, Alona Kowalenko, Martina Lisa
A cooperation of Theatre of Playwrights, Schaubühne Lindenfels and HELLERAU – European Center for the Arts.
The project is supported by the European Cultural Foundation within the framework of the Culture of Solidarity Fund, by the Fonds Darstellende Künste within the framework of Neustart Kultur: #TakeHeart, realized by the Bündnis internationaler Produktionshäuser, the Netzwerk freier Theater and by the flausen+bundesnetzwerk as well as with scholarships for Ukrainian artists by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.
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