Sacrificing health in the name of the theatre
The lived reality of young artists. What are we willing to sacrifice for the final applause? For recognition? Everything, even our health. But that’s what’s expected. We’re artists, after all, aren’t we?
A young performer, Aleksandra Goslawska, and her stand-up. Are you expecting an hour of jokes? A lady at the microphone spouting funny stories one after the other and making you reel with laughter? Nothing like that, because Aleksandra, whom friends call Alex, has no talent for that. That’s what they told her. More than once.
She’s applied to several art schools, yet here she is standing, right in front of us. She’s twenty-six. The fingerless glove she was once given heralds her past, present, and future, just like in A Christmas Carol. It is not only the glove, but also the statue of the Virgin Mary and other inconspicuous props that tell Alexia's story. If she keeps this up, she'll die and join Club 27.
A probe into the depths of the soul: that’s how one could also describe the experience from the monodrama by the young Polish performer. What are we willing to sacrifice for art, for the theatre? Aleksandra sacrifices everything - even her life. Not because she wants to, but her lifestyle pushes her to it. Working in art: at work 16 hours a day, seven days a week. There’s no time to rest if you want to be successful. And when someone tells you to rest, you respond: “I don’t have time to sleep! I don’t have time to rest! I have to create!”
Working with objects and shadows; your own body becomes a puppet in the hands of others. With a face still, a rigid expression, a mask that does not allow to communicate emotions. Because: “Pressure is not for everyone.” Should it even be? Are those who cannot bear it unsuccessful? Or have they merely realized that they don’t want to overstep their boundaries?
A very strong message from a young artist, not only about humiliation and lowering her self-confidence. There are also hints of sexual harassment, and hints that address the poorly funded education in Poland and the technology available to students. Her conviction that she wants to act and that she will become a good actress. Goosebumps, but also honest laughter, all in a small cellar space. What’s left of the performers? Nothing? Their imprint on the stage?
