AMPELMENSCHEN
THEATER REGENSBURG TANZ | MACIEJ KUŹMIŃSKI
Inspired by the testimonies of ex-DDR citizens, Ampelmenschen takes the audience on a journey through contradictory experiences of many Germans today. In this 20-minute work the brutality of totalitarian East Germany clashes with the brutality of galloping capitalism in early Republic of Germany, with an accomapnying taste of Ostalgia.
The title is an untranslatable word game, referring to the symbolism of Ampelmännchen (eng. little traffic light man). A characteristic symbol of the GDR traffic lights signal, a green, vigorously walking man in a hat, has become a positive manifestation of Ostalgia, in spite of picturing the 1st secretary of the Party, Erich Honecker, acused of genocide in connection with expanding the “Schießbefehl” order – shooting at citizens trying to cross the border.
The new dance piece “Ampelmenschen” by the Polish guest choreographer Maciej Kuzminski comes across as very intellectual, but not understated – rather amusing and ironic. In chronological order, he shows the change of political systems with expressive figures from floor dancing to incorporated classic elements to radio fragments, Wagner’s “FLight of the Valkyries”, the GDR anthem and the title song “Sandman” from GDR television.
Stefan Rimek, onetz.de
The new dance piece “Ampelmenschen” by the Polish guest choreographer Maciej Kuzminski comes across as very intellectual, but not understated – rather amusing and ironic. In chronological order, he shows the change of political systems with expressive figures from floor dancing to incorporated classic elements to radio fragments, Wagner’s “FLight of the Valkyries”, the GDR anthem and the title song “Sandman” from GDR television.
Stefan Rimek, onetz.de
Decreed jubilation in the frozen permanent grin of the dancers becomes a selfish competition for success and happiness, in which the dancers rush across the stage. Success under constant stress in relentless competition until the world collapses.
Michael Scheiner, Mittelbayerische.de
AMPELMENSCHEN
THEATER REGENSBURG TANZ | MACIEJ KUŹMIŃSKI
choreography, concept
Maciej Kuźmiński
costume design
Bianca Léonie
lighting design
Leo Göbl , David Herzog
dancers
Fabian Moreira, Alessio Burani, Simone Elliott, Tiana Lara Hogan, Matkaicsek Peter,Rei Okunishi, Lou Poletti, Tommaso Quartani, Harumi Takeuchi
rehearsal director / company manager
Christian Maier
artistic director of the company
Yuki Mori
duration
20 min
premiered on
07 July 2019, Regensburg, Germany, Velodrome Theatre
photos
Juliane Zitlsperger
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