The individuality of young people, between conformity and social pressure, in “Bestiar”, Vanner Collective’s newest show

Premieres on September 14 and 15 at the Metropolis Theater in Bucharest, followed by a tour around the country.

From communication difficulties to the environmental crisis, from traumas passed down from generation to generation to the pressure imposed by gender roles in society, the independent theater company Vanner Collective has been creating original shows for 10 years in which he opens discussions about issues we face every day, consciously or not, approached with empathy and intelligence, with a disarming mix of honesty and theatricality. The fall brings a premiere performance by the performing arts collective, titled “cattle”which focuses on the vulnerability of young people to social pressures and structures that lead to depersonalization, including online presence.

The show is based on a new dramatic text, written by Raluca Manescu and Denisa Nicolaetaking shape following a laboratory and some workshops that involved teenagers and students of the Theater faculties in Bucharest, Constanța, Craiova and Sibiu in the creative process. The premiere will take place at Metropolis Theatre FROM Bucharestin the data of September 14 and 15and then the show will travel to Sibiu (October 3&4), Craiova (October 23&24) and Constant (October 26 & 27). Performances will be followed by Q&A sessions. Tickets for the shows in Bucharest are already available online.

By “Cattle”, Vanner Collective offers a current perspective on the challenges that young people go through. With the astonishing spread of social networks, with the models of behavior, physical appearance and success they propose, the pressure among young people to conform to rigid and arbitrary benchmarks is increasing enormously. Thus, themes are addressed on which theatrical art casts an empathic, assumed perspective, playing the same role it has since ancient times – opening the way to catharsis, to a deep understanding and relationship on an emotional level.

show “cattle” it is structured as an allegory, focusing on four “sacrificial animals”. Humanized characters break out of the safe herd space of the herd they were born into to look beyond the fence. They struggle to break the stereotypes associated with their races and to fulfill their dreams.

The show emphasizes the importance of diversity and individuality, in a social environment that seeks physical uniformity in the rush for recognition and appreciation. who are you Where do you belong when you are different? Which herd can you relate to? Without the support of a group, without belonging, there is a risk of getting lost or eaten. The Bestiary show explores the depths of self-searching and authenticity in the face of conformity and societal expectations.

Photo credit: Matei Bumbuț

LIVESTOCK

by Raluca Mănescu and Denisa Nicolae
with: Ana Vînău, Adelin Tudorache, Costin Stăncioi, Răzvan Mîndruță
concept and stage direction: Denisa Nicolae
choreography and stage movement: Teodora Velescu
scenography: Șteff Chelaru
sound design: Adrian Piciorea
musical training: Oana Pușcatu
lighting design: Alexandros Raptis
photographer: Matei Bumbuț

Photo credit: Matei Bumbuț

The project represents both a conceptual continuation of the initiatives Vanner Collective from recent years, as well as a development of creative methodologies in Romanian independent theatre. By approaching young people, talking about their specific problems and entering into a sustained dialogue, Vanner Collective creates new contexts and emphasizes the relevance of theatrical performance for a new generation of audiences.

Livestock is a project co-financed by the Administration of the National Cultural Fund (AFCN), co-financed by Bucharest City Hall through ARCUB within the “Bucharest 565. Urban Connections” 2024 Program.**

The project is initiated and produced by Vanner Collective. Co-produced by Metropolis Theatre.
Media partners: Radio Guerrilla, IQads, Spotmedia, Days and Nights, B365.ro, Observator Cultural, Metropolis newspaper, Liternet, Bookhub, Good signs, Golan Magazine, Happ.ro, Palindrome, Litera 9, AIVI Media Hub.

Waters is a collective of theater creators from Romania and Ireland, formed in Great Britain in 2014. Growing innovative ideas and artistic projects, Vanner speaks to people both through challenging, fresh, current, accessible theater and through experiments with visual arts and especially with photography, which opens up discussions and prompts empathy.

The project does not necessarily represent the position of the National Cultural Fund Administration. AFCN is not responsible for the content of the project or how the results of the project may be used. These are entirely the responsibility of the beneficiary of the funding.

The content of this material does not necessarily represent the official position of Bucharest City Hall or ARCUB.

Source: www.iqads.ro