Exercises in Style
Translated by Róbert Bognár
Director: Zoltán Balázs
A noted figure amongst French avant garde artists, Queneau was the co-founder (alongside Alfred Jarry) of the Pataphysics Society - a society dedicated to studying what lies beyond the realm of metaphysics. Amongst other subjects, Queneau also studied mathematics at Sorbonne which tangibly seeped into his writing.
Exercises in Style is the same story retold in 99 different variations. Its language and mathematical structure is the perfect material for Maladype Theatre; the ceaseless variabilities allow space for adventure, experimentation and new challenges.
As with Leonce and Lena or King Ubu, Exercises in Style also invites the audience to actively participate in the show, adding an external element of creativity. Director Zoltan Balazs has cut the piece into filmic segments, or 'frames'. Each 'frame' is performed by Maladype’s four actors depicting the individual style of a particular film director, which could be anyone from Bergman to Charlie Chaplin.
These rolling ‘frames’ along with the unique dramaturgy create an extraordinary theatrical experience for theatre lovers and film lovers alike.
Performers:
Zoltán Lendváczky
Ákos Orosz
Ágota Szilágyi
Erika Tankó
Creators: András Szőllősi, Beáta Milák, Judit Tölli
and students of Budapest University of Technology (Department of Architecture)
Production manager: Balázs Katalin
Opening night: 14 December 2014, Maladype Base