Groningen-based creator duo Antiklimax presents Herzschmerz: a theatrical search for love beyond clichés.
When half the cast quits, the much-discussed playwright Elias calls on his former girlfriend Lucinde to come audition for him. As the world totters, three characters become entangled in a romantic Bermuda Triangle. A contemporary adaptation of Goethe’s Werther, with Antiklimax’ signature alienated characters and idiosyncratic acting style.
In Herzschmerz, Groningen-based creator duo Antiklimax takes you into a love story that is anything but classic. The much-discussed playwright Elias has retired to a hotel overlooking the highway – always the ideal place for introspection, unpaid minibar bills and awkward encounters with ex-lovers. His latest production has sparked violent reactions in a society already on edge with protests and political unrest. Half the cast has quit, and in desperation, Elias invites an old friend to come audition headlong: Lucinde.
Lucinde is a kindergarten teacher, former drama student, and engaged to Theo; a local politician with the charisma of a municipal information leaflet. Elias and Lucinde were once “more than just friends” (read: dramatically far too intimate for two people who have yet to rehearse scenes). What follows is an audition that looks suspiciously like a reunion, which in turn looks dangerously like a romantic Bermuda Triangle in which the three threaten to lose themselves – while outside the world shakes to its foundations.
Herzschmerz is a contemporary adaptation of Goethe’s The Passion of Young Werther; about unrequited love, clashing ideals and desires. Not a classic love drama, but a theatrical exploration of disruptive love: love beyond the romantic clichés of desire and idealization. Love that does not save us, but disrupts us. Can post-romantic love lead to something greater than love alone?
Antiklimax is known for its original lyrics, exceptional playing style and fresh take on classic themes. With Herzschmerz, they continue the search for romance, in a world where grip is increasingly difficult to find. The result is a story about people trying to escape – from the world, from each other, and from themselves.
Warning: the performance may use stroboscopic lighting.
Trigger warning: this performance touches on subjects such as depression and suicide.
This performance is part of SHIFT, an initiative of Explore the North and Stadsschouwburg De Harmonie. Grounded performing arts: raw, honest, topical and disruptive. You come to SHIFT because you want to know what is going on: in your head, in the world, with the other, with yourself, in the big and in the small. For curious thinkers and critical dreamers. Throughout the year, at changing locations, you will find must-see performances, off the beaten path of theater. From spoken word to postmodern dance. From theatrical pamphlet to poetic requiem. These are performances by young and more established artists who touch on current affairs and the future.