FRICTION is a show that starts from the hypothesis that friction between people is disappearing. We associate friction with resistance, delay and conflict. In a capitalist environment we prefer a smooth-running situation. But we pay a price for that smoothness, for it creates distance and therefore coldness between people.
Choreographer / theatre maker Sophia Rodriguez investigates whether intentionally provoking friction between people is a way of freeing them of psychological and cultural differences, which often get in the way of communicating with others. She herself refers to it as hyper soap-opera therapy.
The performers meet each other in an imaginary playground in a park, a chill-out zone where individuals with varying intentions confront each other, play and often literally stumble over one another. Away from the smoothness, they throw themselves into the clash of opposing forces. At night, the playground reveals people with hidden fears, utopian resistance and unfulfilled desires.
In FRICTION, individual convictions and identities rub against each other as if they were pieces of dry wood. This inflammable situation is presented as an essential part of transformation: fiery, playful, and inescapable.
The performers meet each other in an imaginary playground in a park, a chill-out zone where individuals with varying intentions confront each other, play and often literally stumble over one another. Away from the smoothness, they throw themselves into the clash of opposing forces. At night, the playground reveals people with hidden fears, utopian resistance and unfulfilled desires.
In FRICTION, individual convictions and identities rub against each other as if they were pieces of dry wood. This inflammable situation is presented as an essential part of transformation: fiery, playful, and inescapable.
“Somehow, FRICTIONmanages to employ pleasure, irony and complete earnest at the same time.”
"FRICTION raises some deeply aesthetical, political and moral questions, that are reminiscent of contemporary thinkers like Claire Bishop and Chantal Mouffe. How and to what extent can we allow friction, in society and in the arts? Does friction inevitably lead to fire and thus, irreparable damage? It is commendable that Rodriguez dares to tackle these themes today. "
concept
- Sophia Rodriguez
text
- samen met de performers tot stand gekomen
performers and creators
- Martina Calvo
- Vincent Focquet
- Anna Franziska Jäger
- Sophia Rodriguez
- Robert Steijn
- Simon Van Schuylenbergh
dramaturgy
- Robert Steijn
outside eye
- Meg Stuart
- Louise Van den Eede
costume design and props
- Sofie Durnez
scenography
- Sofie Durnez
- Sophia Rodriguez
animation
- Martina Calvo
music
- Gäsper Piano
voice
- Kalé Rodriguez Goldberg
- Simone Rodriguez Goldberg
- Audra Runnels
- Azul Belmar
- Violeta Belmar
sound design
- Korneel Moreaux
light design
- Jan Maertens
Pole advice
- Majo Cázares
production
- Kunstenwerkplaats
coproduction
- Toneelhuis
- Kunstencentrum BUDA
- VierNulVier
with the support of
- De Grote Post
- Kaaitheater
- Next Festival
with financial support of
- Tax Shelter maatregel v/d Belgische Federale Overheid
- Look@Leo
- de Vlaamse Gemeenschap
- De Vlaamse Gemeenschapscommissie
