The story of twins who, in their struggle for physical and emotional survival, strengthen their bodies and minds as they become increasingly indifferent and apathetic, paints a poetic picture of love, war, identity and (collective) trauma.
The Notebook, the directorial debut of Mia Skrbinac, is a comprehensive exploration of Ágota Kristóf's novel, a visual representation of a literary masterpiece and a study of the enduring human spirit in a time of great hardship. The intricate interweaving of survival, identity and the dehumanising effects of war, interwoven in one of the most harrowing works in the canon of contemporary European fiction, becomes an immersive experience on stage, drawing us into the harsh realities of wartime. Each meticulous puppet sequence serves as a captivating, dynamic performance of sober prose that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling and non-violently seeks parallels to the current state of mind.
"A lot of these children are living with people they didn't know before. They have to work in the fields and vineyards; the people who look after them are not always nice to them. The big children often attack the smallest ones. They take all they have in their pockets, and sometimes even their clothes. They beat them up too, especially those who come from elsewhere. The young ones from here are protected by their mothers and never go out alone."
This puppet adaptation of Ágota Kristóf's novel The Notebook is an exploration of human resilience and the potential of dehumanisation, using the key characteristics of the puppet and its animator to paint the images of the novel.
The performance is part of BiTeater, a programme that enables young authors to create and explore their first professional work in the broad field of contemporary puppetry.
Soruce:
https://www.lgl.si/en/performances/repertory/1155-The-Notebook-Festival-LUTKE