From September 14 to September 30, Tbilisi theatre lovers had a wonderful chance to escape from the intense reality of pre-election Georgia and attend performances, which were presented by the theatres of 13 different countries on different stages of Georgian capital within the framework of Tbilisi International Theatre Festival, which ended one day prior to the elections. Who could imagine that in a day, we would enter a new political scenery, completely new dimension of thinking and living?
Anyway, let’s go back to the theatre festival. It was a challenging program for theatre lovers, once again proving that in Tbilisi cultural life never ceases to take a break, even in the most politically active periods. Ain’t it nice?!
“Tbilisi International Festival of Theatre is one of those numerous large or small-scale festivals that aspires to endure the time and spectator’ requirement,” this is what we heard in the organizers’ speech. It was established 4 years ago and within the three years it hosted legendary theatres and actors, as well as the novices who take their first steps on the international arena. Traditionally, the festival was made up of Georgian and foreign programs.
“Wretch”, presented by Great Britain, directed and acted by Gari Jones, was critically acclaimed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2011, a captivating exploration of a hard-core inner devil within us all. This is a confrontational attempt by a man to purge himself of his past and destroy his future, in order to live fully in the present. However, it was not to my taste, frankly speaking.
The next performance I had the opportunity to see was The Damned (The Death of Gods), from Poland. It was truly hard to watch, telling the story of a degenerated post-war society, for whom money matters more than human feelings; violence and crime is a normal thing, as nobody is punished for committing them. It was shocking, but the company of Opole Theatre impressed everybody, and the production too – it was directed according to Luchino Visconti’s film.
The next item I would like to point out in the Program of the festival, is a totally different play that succeeded to cheer up the spectators - Anton Chekhov’s “Wedding”, directed by a Belorussian producer. It was a sound-drama staged by Vladimir Pankov – a unique harmonious combination of dance, plastic art, music and drama. This Russian literary classic is presented as a synthesis of arts, which turns into a bright and modern show that can surprise even the most sophisticated audience.
Two theatres from France and Mexico impressed me the most. The first one presented “Still Travelers”. The company Philipe Genty really became a revelation of the festival. The director invites spectators to come with eyes shut but awakened senses. Seven travelers find themselves carried away in an odyssey beyond time, space and physical bounds. Director Philipe Genty appeals to the impressions of his own travels. However, the main landscape we see is that of a dream world. It is full of humor and gives the chance to the spectators to discover brand-new forms of theatre language. I loved it! Vive La France!
Mexico Presented “Perhaps, Perhaps”, a comic theatre in the style of Charlie Chaplin. Gabriela Munoz was the only actress, director, composer and choreographer. It is a one-man (or one-woman?) show based on interaction. The idea is human loneliness, hope and waiting for the right partner. In an era where nothing seems to matter for people, she longs for “a real love”, which has become a burden of time. Greta, protagonist, is a lonely woman who once a week, rehearses the arrival of the so-called “the right one”, dressed in a wedding dress. Such an extremely sad, immensely funny and deeply touching piece and such a marvelous acting, Bravo, Mexico!
Author: Maka Lomadze
04 October, 2012