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

Learn more about the Theater Regensburg Tanz

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Requiem | Talent on the Move tour

Netherlands, Vlaardingen
Stadshoorzaal Vlaardingen
21 March 2024 | 7:30 PM

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Requiem | Talent on the Move tour

Netherlands, Nijverdal
ZINiN
22 March 2024 | 7:30 PM

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Memoryhouse

Austria, Linz Landestheater
Schauspielhaus
23 Mar 2024 | 5:00 PM

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Dwa / Zwei – Premiere

Germany, Osnabrück
Theater Osnabrück, main stage
30 March 2024 | 7:30 PM

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Requiem | Talent on the Move tour

Netherlands, Hardenberg
Theater de Voorveghter
04 April 2024 | 8:15 PM

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Requiem | Talent on the Move tour

Netherlands, Weert
Munttheater
05 April 2024 | 8:15 PM

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Memoryhouse

Austria, Linz Landestheater
Schauspielhaus
06 April 2024 | 5:00 PM

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Requiem | Talent on the Move tour

Netherlands, Brielle
Brestheater
06 April 2024 | 8:30 PM

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Resistance Movement | Solo Dance Contest Winners Gala

Poland, Gdańsk
Żak Club
07 April 2024 | 19:00

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Requiem | Talent on the Move tour

Netherlands, Houten
Theater aan de Slinger
10 April 2024 | 8:15 PM

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Requiem | Talent on the Move tour

Netherlands, Veendam
Vanberesteyn Cultural Center
12 April 2024 | 8:15 PM

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Memoryhouse

Austria, Linz Landestheater
Schauspielhaus
13 April 2024 | 7:30 PM

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Dwa / Zwei

Germany, Osnabrück
Theater Osnabrück, main stage
13 April 2024 | 7:30 PM

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Dwa / Zwei

Germany, Osnabrück
Theater Osnabrück, main stage
19 April 2024 | 7:30 PM

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Requiem | Talent on the Move tour

Netherlands, Hoogezand
Theater Kielzog
19 April 2024 | 8:15 PM

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