Performing Group’, a production ensemble from Germany, set the creative sparks of the City ablaze with their artistic piece, ‘TRASHedy’. Recently performed at Ranga Shankara, JP Nagar and supported by Goethe Institut, the artistes Leandro Kees and Daniel Mathéus took the stage by storm. The production is a portmanteau on ‘trash’ and ‘tragic’. It is an over-arching critique of consumerism and consumption, the negative effects of globalisation and the environmental destruction around the world.
Leandro proudly says that the show saw a full house. “We had a performance in Chennai but had to cancel the show because of the floods. Nevertheless, I am excited to put up the show here. I have lived in Bengaluru for two months and love the environment. The City is building new traditions and creating an identity of its own. The food, sounds, colours and languages are bursting at the seams and too much to take in.”
Leandro comes from a background of film, theatre and dance, which is reflected in ‘TRASHedy’. He adds, “We decided to choreograph the play because the concept of climate change was bothering us. We were reading about issues like global warming and as artistes, we couldn’t brush it under the carpet. None of the existing literature in theatre reflected what we wanted to convey.”
The audience is left grasping for more, just a few minutes into the play. The production creatively explained the concept of ecological intelligence and balance. Concepts such as individualism and its direct effects, carbon footprints and the line between excessive demands, need and greed are dealt upon with subtle humour. The duo play around with their voices and imitate the modern man and his rapid rate of consumption.
‘TRASHEdy’ looks at issues which hit one in the face as they step out of their homes but are yet overlooked. The duo also take part in a quiz show where they deal with questions to highlight environmental issues. Animated drawings, sound recordings, light and interaction are some of the important highlights. Leandro adds, “We use everyday props like plastic cups. However, we don’t want to preach about environment or try to give a message it will come off as knowing more than the audience. We just want to engage with issues that we care about.”
Towards the end, the play leaves one thinking about significant questions like the rate of modern man’s consumption, carbon footprints, the question of development and at whose cost it takes place and how one’s lifestyle affects their surrounding environment. The audience is left grappling with the uncomfortable and debateable issue of who is actually responsible for climate change. But despite the whirlwind of bad news throughout the politically motivated piece, the play is extremely enjoyable and touches one’s psyche because of outstanding performance and choreography and highly detailed artistic and visual analysis of the environment.
