The term “W.H.A.M.” (German acronym for “white heterosexual old man”) sparks controversial debate all over the web. When used critically, it serves as a legitimate umbrella term for questioning existing patriarchal power structures. On the other hand, many perceive it as a threat cloaked in a sweeping generalization.
This production deconstructs the catch-all phrase with an exhibition on power and powerlessness, visibility and obscuration, structures and their (often merely) seeming dissolution on stage.
Selection committee statement excerpt:
In a playful yet brazen way, the production even succeeds in addressing questions about sexuality that dare to provoke without getting too awkward. (…) All of this is thanks (…), above all, to the riveting performance of the three actors (…). Moreover, it is thanks to their clarity and wonderfully self-critical analysis that the audience leaves the theatre so buoyant and open to change in spite of all the structures in need of an overhaul.
The “white heterosexual old man” is currently a highly controversial topic. Based on ten commissioned texts, c.t.201 offers a highly fascinating contribution to the discussion.
The result is a compelling, multi-perspective production that depicts and analyses social phenomena such as power, patriarchy, diversity, feminism and racism without falling into a morality trap. Jamming music and rousing rhythms imbue the work with a sense of ease as it encourages us to question and rethink everyday assumptions and paradigms. In a playful yet brazen way, the production even succeeds in addressing questions about sexuality that dare to provoke without getting too awkward.
All of this is thanks to the production’s compelling dramaturgy and, above all, to the riveting performance of the three actors as they navigate their modest setting. Moreover, it is thanks to their clarity and wonderfully self-critical analysis that the audience leaves the theatre so buoyant and open to change in spite of all the structures in need of an overhaul.
Since its founding in 1993, c.t.201 has staged more than 30 theatre productions. Each production endeavours to seek and find new ways of getting in touch with the audience in an effort to produce communicative theatre that constantly attempts to take on different perspectives and understand various attitudes. The ensemble’s work is based on an open-minded, experimental, inclusive and thematic approach.
accessible to
public | 15+
Venue
Kölner Künstler:innen Theater,
Duration
75 Min.
Theatre
c.t.201, Köln in coproduction with studiobühneköln
www.ct201.de
Production
c.t.201, Köln, coproduktion with studiobühneköln
By and with: Dorothea Förtsch, Tim Mrosek & Sibel Polat
Text: Various authors & the ensemble
Lighting & technical direction: Thomas Vella
Production management: Katja Winke
Production assistance: Hannah Lorenz
Performing rights: The theatre company
Sponsored by: City of Cologne Cultural Office
Rausch
Ein Glückstrip
Junges Schauspiel Düsseldorf in coproduction mit Take-off: Junger Tanz | -
written by: Gregory Caers, directed by: Gregory Caers