immersive physical theater
Video: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/813959400 https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/813958891 https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/813959214
Production is an image of various statements, thoughts and messages enclosed in the walls of the cells of one long corridor.
“The last moments of life, the last thoughts and memories of a man giving his life for the faith he lived for. A last farewell letter. A message to all those he loved and who were part of his life. The last words that could no longer be spoken“.
“Accept the most beautiful and also the last greeting from your daddy there at home in my beautiful homeland, for which I die and gladly give my life. Today, May 11, at 1 o’clock in the afternoon, I was informed that the death sentence will be carried out.”
Antonín Bobek, 11.5.1943
The dance theatre is based on the story of the choreographer’s great-grandfather (A.B), who was sentenced to death for anti-fascist resistance during World War II. The author drew on his letters and the autobiographical book “War Generation” by Milič Jiráček, who was in Plotsenzee Prison at the same time. The author went through several Nazi prisons, so the production reflects bits and pieces from the lives of the prisoners. For the choreographer, this illustrates the story of her great-grandfather – Antonín Bobek, whom she was unable to meet in person. The viewer is not presented with a document, but with a feeling. A message is conveyed that could not be spoken.
Concept, choreography and direction: Lenka Kniha B.
Assistant choreographer: Lotte Nouwkens
Interpretation: Konvalinka, J. Březina, P. Opavský, J. Kniha, Pedro Domingo Prazeres, L. Kniha B., N. Šilarová, L. Nouwkens, J. Matoušková, Jacgues Eloi Genot, Jiří Kniha, Števo Capko.
Music and sound: Michal Konvalinka
Light design: Radek Pytelka
Set design: Janek Rous, L. Kniha B.
About the creation:
The first pieces of choreography were created just after the arrival of Lenka K. B. to her native country, when it was presented in January 2009 at the Duncan Centre Theatre. The theme of this project had been in her mind for a long time, as it was a family affair. The theme is a farewell letter from a family member of choreographer Lenka K. B. .(Antonín Bobek), who was one of the collaborators of the anti-fascist group of Czech officers Mašín, Balabán and Morávek during World War II, and who was executed on 11 May 1943 at Plotzense execution site in Berlin. Based on material that was later given to the choreographer (a book by Milič Jiráček, “The War Generation”), which links very closely to the theme, the choreography was developed and performed at the Duncan Centre Conservatoire Theatre. In 2013, the theme was reopened and the choreography was developed into a site-specific piece, adapting it to the space in which the audience is actively involved and thus becomes part of the plot of the performance.
