Ragnarok // Chorea Theatre (Poland)

Chorea Theatre (Poland)

In Norse mythology, Ragnarok means the "twilight of the gods," or simply the end of the old world and the beginning of a new one. However, the title of our performance is the only reference that directly connects it to mythology. We felt that this might provide the audience with another layer of interpretation, while at the same time, we liked the fact that this term is so blunt in its meaning. The performance tells the story of a new world. And here, we wanted to delve into the complexities of humanity—the issues of interpersonal relationships, the connection and contact with oneself, and the image of society, but without defined roles or hierarchies.

We are working with the concept of liminality, focusing on being in an "in-between" place, which constitutes a key moment in the central phase of a rite of passage. It is a place where we are no longer our former selves, but we have not yet become anything new. It is an ambivalent, ambiguous place of transition. We wanted the entire performance to be such a place: a kind of disturbed, disrupted, distorted, and unsettling situation, not subject to any order, with a sense of vague tension and discomfort.

Each actress and each actor has their own story and chooses their own path, which they follow throughout the performance. Sometimes these paths intersect, and certain relationships occur. We wanted to emphasize this strange kind of loneliness, of separateness, which is present even when encounters and connections take place. It is more about finding that specific performative state in which we can listen carefully to ourselves—and through this tender and vigilant listening—we can truly hear others.

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Author of the text: Adrian Bartczak & CHOREA Theatre
Directed and choreographed by: Adrian Bartczak
Cast: Janusz Adam Biedrzycki, Maja Caban, Joanna Chmielecka, Michał Jóźwik, Małgorzata Lipczyńska, Anna Maszewska, Tomasz Rodowicz

Duration: 1h20’, no intermissions

Age restrictions: 16+

Contains stroboscope lights, incense sticks and small candles

Performance created and presented in terms of „ACT IN_OUT” Project, organized by Art Factory in Lodz, in cooperation with CHOREA Theatre form Lodz and Norwegian National Company of Contemporary Dance - Carte Blanche form Bergen, thanks to a grant form Norway Grants and EEA. Working together for a green, competitive and inclusive Europe.

Project co-financed by the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage.

Project co-financed by the City of Łódź.

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