This week we open a new show in Archa+, Prague. First review of “Jeden a jeden a jeden” is here…

Jeden a jeden a jeden – indivudual and subjective

The article is written by Viktorie Štěpánová/PROTIŠEDI. Read the article in Czech HERE

On October 30th and 31st, the first independent production of the cultural space, an incubator for youth – Archa+, was presented.

“Jeden a jeden a jeden” is a production about the lives, dreams, traumas, and desires of Generation Z by Generation Z. The current generation of twenty-somethings performed a show that places great emphasis on individual authenticity, emotional experience, and critical reflection of society. “Our dreams give us meaning and inner fire, propel us forward, and inspire us to strive for something beyond ourselves. But intertwined with our dreams are also our deepest fears.”

22 artists, 22 different individual voices, 79 shared minutes. Wholeness emanating from fragmentation, yet forming a coherent whole. Despite reflecting their surroundings, the performers found their starting point in personal experiences and subjective perceptions. Each performer’s voice was given space, each voice was heard and considered by others.

The theme of fragmentation and patchiness ran throughout the production, whether through brief personal testimonials, frequent changes of scenes, actors, and movement qualities. Escape functioned as a means of changing scenes and also reflected the souls of young, purposeful, and aware but very fragile individuals who constantly chase something, flee from themselves, and yet are seeking themselves.

The performance, however, began even before its actual start, already in the foyer, in the form of an authentic, unplanned fashion show. Young people were present, expressing their attitudes without verbal communication, through their specific style of dress. Many of those present wore outfits composed of seemingly incongruous pieces layered together to depict the unique identity of each individual. Identities that were also reflected in the performance.

The presentation of “Jeden a jeden a jeden” as the first undertaking of the space reveals a lot about it. It was far from an ordinary premiere. The show was the result of a public Open call, organized by Archa+ in collaboration with NIE Theatre, which offered young artists the opportunity to materialize their ideas. From the original 220 applicants, 22 young souls emerged, who, through intensive workshops guided by NIE Theatre, directed and subsequently performed the production themselves.

The result was a very raw, purely authentic, and socioculturally reflective work, creating a mirror of the souls of the young generation.

Written by Viktorie Štěpánová, PROTIŠEDI

The translation from Czech is made by AI and is for informational use.