Theatre NO99 – “How to Explain Pictures to a Dead Hare”
By Ojasoo / Semper
Directors and authors of the idea and concept: Tiit Ojasoo, Ene-Liis Semper Dancing: Mart Kangro Cast: Rasmus Kaljujärv, Risto Kübar, Andres Mähar, Mirtel Pohla, Jaak Prints, Gert Raudsep, Inga Salurand, Tambet Tuisk, Marika Vaarik, Sergo Vares.
The idea behind Tiit Ojasoo and Ene-Liis Semper’s play “How to Explain Pictures to a dead hare” emerged when – using Märt Väljataga’s words – it became clear that culture has lost even the last remains of its sacred aura and Estonian national awareness has to find additional arguments for its existence. The problem lies not in how the artists are positioned in the society, the new plenum of artistic associations or the lack of ability to relate to contemporary art. The problem lies in art itself and in what distinguishes great art from mediocre art, the passionate from the impassionate, and the beautiful from the fancy.
For a long time, people have been waiting for Theatre NO99 to turn back to the popular socio-critical theatre. Especially now, when the times are hard and unemployment, economic anguish and the salary cuts in the public sector should be in the minds and in the hearts of every artist. Despite all that now might be exactly the right time to talk about non-productive matters – of issues involving only spending.
“Hot to Explain Pictures to a Dead Hare” is a play about making art and its reception. It includes improvising, dancing, citing performances, building installations and keeping the flag of art flying high while the spice shop keepers rise to the barricades. Yes, it is a play about how to make the world a better place. Vigour and fatigue, action and pause, joy and despair, faith and torment.
The title of the play is borrowed from the title of a German performance artist Joseph Beuys’s performance from 1965. In addition to that, the ideas and deeds of John Adams, Marie Under, Peter Handke, Taavi Eelmaa, Pablo Neruda, Eha Komissarov, Anton Tšehhov, etc are cited.
A limper walks by with a child by his side. Will I be reading André Breton now?
www.no99.ee The play runs for 2 hours. The premiere was held on 10th March 2009.
