Chronicle by Georgea-Elena Ștefan
Traces, directed and choreographed by Wim Vandekeybus, is characterized by energetic dances, fluid bodies on a dark, almost black stage. In front of the audience, images are created that explore the complex relationship between man and nature and lead to the thought of how man unjustly claims nature for himself. The obscure and mysterious scene becomes a metaphorical confrontation ground between the two entities, also questioning the human impact on the environment and the imbalances it causes.
The artists play complex and diverse characters, bringing multiple stories from Romania to life (illegal deforestation, the conditions in which the bears are living, the Roma community). A remarkable moment in the show involves the appearance of a black bear – nature in all its wildness. The interactions between the ten dancers and the bears convincingly reveal human brutality and indifference to the natural world.
Although some moments of the show may seem enigmatic or prolonged, Traces manages to challenge the audience, highlighting crucial questions about our responsibility to the environment and to ourselves.
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“Ph[r]ases”- Creative Formulas is a programme conceived by Diana Katharina and Daniela Șilindean together with the team of the German State Theatre Timișoara, dedicated to the theatre chronicle within the Eurothalia 2023 European Theatre Festival, held between 20-30 September 2023, financed by the National Cultural Program Timișoara - European Capital of Culture in 2023.
