PROJECT 2 / light & movement / Apricot Leaves, Barbara Novakovič
On the border between comfort and pleasure
Jaša Drnovšek, Finance
Apricot leaves by Barbara Novakovič produced by Muzeum
as a part of the project 2 Light and Movement, can undoubtedly be considered
a means of instruction, which already in its origin consistently replaces
the co-ordinates of time with categories odf space. The more the dramatic
time is subordinated to the dramatic space, more intensively and the faster
the notion of place emerges at the surface, which later on quite considerably
influences the ability of playing various roles by the dramatic persons.
The dynamic mechanism of constant emptying and filling in the space within
the dramatic structure is what intentionally deprives the spectator of
the experience of illusion, while this is compensated with him being allowed
to observe the interior mechanism of the show. The latter is primarily
constructed as a system, as a network of theoretical signs, in which the
dramatic persons exsist only, if in accordance with the logic of the "sur-defining"
structure they find themselves in an interrelationship./.../
Apricot leaves is a performance, which despite the radical openness of
its form is convincing particularly in the fact that horizontally itis
constantly on the borderline: between the desire and the instinct, between
comfort and pleasure, between the baroque and the Realist. The thing that
remains in between, and is the only thing that belongs to the spectator,
is love.
Time is men's mercilees ruler
Ana Perne, Radio Student
As an introduction to later events, two men and two women
are entangled in amorous nets they demonstrate to us unstoppable and uncontrollable
passion and basic instinct. The possesion of bodies is lustful, forceful;
with its presence it creates an immeasurable stage beauty. Although in
cliche white, inquisitive innocence floats to the surface as if coming
from the depth of the unconscious. Although the costumes later in the
play assume more everyday colours, white still remains: as a sign of a
accumultating it is present in the multi-purpuse shirts.
Naturally, colours are not the only sudden change. There is thorough change
also in the action. In an instant we face commonplace activities and customs:
washing, tidyng up, eating. As if the room did not allow the inclusion
of non-permitted desires, and permitted only that which was acceptable
to the public eye. It is only a question of how long such undercover yearnings
can remain trapped in this prescribed moral-ethical framework.(...)
Slobodna Dalmacija, Jasen Boko
Several independent, small groups appeared in Mongolia,
but the most interesting project presented at the festival was from our
neighbour, Slovenia: Apricot Leaves, a production by Muzeum an independent
group created by Barbara Novakovič. This conceptual project is a touching
story about two couples, about their burning passion, love and the absence
of love, failed attempts at escaping from oneself and the eternal need
for emotional fulfilment. Thanks to its set, Apricot leaves is also a
project of visual art which even in thr poor technical conditions of the
festival created an extraordinary visual experience. This fascinating
project is a part of the Mobile Theatre Network whose aim is the mobility
of theatre projects and it is realistic to expect that project will one
day also arrive in Croatia. Apricot leaves by Barbara Novakovič, who also
acts and dances in the show (in addition to her, the performance features
actors and dancers Matej Filipčič, Aleksandra Balmazović and Zoltan Pletl),
is an inspiring and artistically provocative theatre project powerful
inner drive.
