JADAR

★★★★☆

A surreal ritual unleashed: Karrasekare, the latest work by Igor x Moreno, offers a bold and provocative exploration of pagan carnival traditions from Sardinia and the Basque Country. Inspired by pre-Christian rituals that celebrated the flesh and the arrival of Spring, this performance reimagines these ancient customs within a modern theatrical setting, creating a powerful juxtaposition that both intrigues and unsettles.

The show begins with a haunting scene: a man standing alone, watching the audience take their seats, starts singing as blood begins to trickle down his face. He turns around to reveal a mask on the back of his head, adding an eerie duality to his presence. This initial image is both mesmerising and scary, setting the tone for the evening.

As he walks away, the stage transforms into a snow-like setting where the actors gradually appear, one by one. They walk around naked aimlessly, crying up into the void, before finding solace in each other’s embrace. This sequence poignantly captures a sense of loss and the human need for community.

Karrasekare revisits the past to forge a path into the future, utilising traditional rhythms that have historically accompanied communal dances. By uprooting these ancient rituals from their traditional settings and placing them within the confines of a modern black box theatre, Igor x Moreno create a unique juxtaposition that both intrigues and unsettles the audience.

The performance is imbued with the essence of a folk festival, challenging contemporary notions of prudishness and decorum. The choreography is a sight to behold, moving from tentative steps to frenetic, circular dances that evoke a sense of complete lunacy. The performers run around the stage in a frenzy until a light falls dramatically, halting their movement. This sudden change in pace underscores the intensity of their actions and the chaotic energy they embody.

As the performance progresses, the actors collect personal items and place them on a massive canvas that served as the snowy ground. In the climactic final moments, the canvas is hoisted up, transforming into a black cloud that starts to leak. This powerful image suggests a release of bottled-up emotions, a poignant representation of the human condition. At last, a hog puppet appears and disappears, adding another layer of mystery and making us wonder what it signifies.

Throughout the performance, sexuality and profanity are woven into the fabric of the narrative, creating an image that is both provocative and reflective. Karrasekare navigates the fine line between art for art’s sake and carefully crafted, intentional artistry. The result is a piece that, while challenging, never feels gratuitous, as every element serves a purpose within the broader narrative.

The costumes are both fantastic and terrifying: they evoke a sense of the otherworldly, drawing from the pagan roots of the performance to create an atmosphere that is at once ancient and timeless. The performers, who are not just actors but dancers and performance artists, work seamlessly as a cohesive unit. Their synergy is palpable, which shows the hard work and dedication that underpins the production.

One particularly striking segment involves the performers walking around the stage completely naked, crying and sobbing for a prolonged period. This raw, unfiltered display of emotion is both jarring, serving as a powerful commentary on vulnerability and human connection. The scene is a stark reminder of the fragility of the human condition, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Apart from the evocative opening song, which sets the initial tone, the performance unfolds without any spoken words, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the visual and emotional experience. This deliberate choice ensures that the interpretation of the intricate symbolism and provocative scenes remains entirely subjective, inviting each viewer to derive their own meaning and engage in personal reflection.

At 80 minutes, the performance is both intense and immersive. The pacing is deliberate, allowing each moment to breathe and resonate. The energy of the performers is unwavering, proving their commitment and stamina.

Karrasekare is not merely a performance to be watched; it is an experience to be felt deeply and pondered long after it ends. Karrasekare is a remarkable piece of contemporary performance art. It challenges, provokes, and mesmerises, pushing the boundaries of comfort and convention.

The production is a testament to the power of art to evoke emotion, spark conversation, and challenge societal norms. While it may not be for everyone—also because it is age-restricted— those willing to embrace its strangeness will find a rich, thought-provoking experience that evokes emotion, sparks conversation, and challenges norms.