Prometheus. Beginnings

“Prometheus. Beginnings” is a devised dance theatre work, conceived by Tzveta Kassabova with the cast, that takes inspiration and ideas from plays written by the Berlin-based playwright Kevin Rittberger. The piece creates the environment in which some of the pressing questions of our time float in, come to focus, and interact with each other. The piece is an exploration of an entanglement of movement, spoken word, improvisational music score by Steve Hilmy and the evocative set of the production. The piece explores the challenges of immigration, our current climate crisis, and the role of technology in our lives. “Prometheus. Beginnings” was originally created in the context of the conference “Diffractive World-Making – Theatre and Science Beyond the Capitalocene” and an initial version was premiered at the University of Indiana. The piece was realized with the help of SMTD RCI grant.

From the Dramaturgy Note

“‘I think you have to get to know a place – and love it – before you can commit yourself to taking care of it or defending it’

It is easy to hear all of these stories and fall into a state of distress and detachment. We struggle to find solutions to the distress and pain because we don’t feel connected to it. If it isn’t directly affecting us, then why should it matter to us? These stories that surround us are stories of “brokenness”: broken people, broken world, and broken technology. But, behind all of that brokenness is the desire to connect. When Prometheus shared fire with humanity, he created a connection with them, which resulted in breaking his relationship with the gods. This brokenness allowed for the survival and development of humanity. Prometheus broke the system and protocols set in place to find this connection and improve the lives of human beings.

‘Human beings are only one element of the fabric of life’

This piece explores the central question: “What are we connected to?”. Although a seemingly simple question, it carries a great power; connection fuels change. If we want to improve refugee and immigrant experiences, we must find a connection to their stories. If we want to fight against our climate crisis, we must reimagine our connection to the earth and the other living things on it. Find and share the stories that created a connection in your life. Stories have the ability to change the world.”

Photos: Ekaterina Angelova