Nature Theater

2016-2017

Performance, street intervention, art research

Various cities, Germany

A few square meters of a public place are being fenced off with the red and white barricade tape to mark the theater borders. The stage space between two trees (or in some cases street lights) is left open, facing the street. Inside the fenced off space, a couple of rows of chairs are placed, facing the stage: a parquet is set. Two posters outside give an overview of a cast: grass, trees, bugs, air and many more. The show is about to start.

“Hello, would you like to attend a 5-minute-long Nature Theater performance?” the passersby are being asked. Some curiously take the ticket and proceed to waiting in the space designated as a lobby. Once 5-10 spectators-to-be gather, the usher collects the tickets and the visitors are welcomed to take their seats. The bell rings. The time is tracked. The performance is on. There are no actors in the conventional sense of the word. Nevertheless, the stage is full of action (or, for some, stillness): the people are passing by, the cars are moving, the birds are flying, the wind is howling. The bell rings again, marking the end of the performance. People look at each other, some in awe, some baffled, some continue watching the play. The spectators are invited to take part in a lobby discussion of the play. The conversation starts.