Berlin Gothenburg Helsinki Stockholm
Civilization and Its Discontents (I)
Civilization and its Discontents (I) is a performance based on Sigmund Freud's essay with the same name. The visitors are invited to join the Leviathan society for a kick-off meeting. Together, staff and visitors penetrate the concept of civilization to constitute new temporary rules of order. In team exercises they confront their attitudes to power, responsibility, desire and dependence. All in an attempt to circumvent Freud’s dilemma (freedom vs. safety) they are encouraged to try out new positions in relation to each other and to create a collaboration based on desire instead of necessity.
Civilization and Its Discontents (I) is the first part of a diptych performance. The second part, The Leviathan Camaraderie had its première in Stockholm fall 2015.
“As in "The Economy of Pleasure" (2012), Poste Restante successfully stages rather absurd but nevertheless acute moral dilemmas that the participants are lured to consider – in a friendly, ingenious and respectful way. It is as shamelessly as cleverly done”
Örjan Abrahamsson, DN
Co-produced by MDT (SE), Baltic Circle Festival (FI) and Leikfélag Akureyrar (IS).
Assistant: Erika Lindahl
Producer: Louise Waite
Residency: MDT and Leikfélag Akureyrar
Civilization and its Discontents (I) is a performance based on Sigmund Freud's essay with the same name. The visitors are invited to join the Leviathan society for a kick-off meeting. Together, staff and visitors penetrate the concept of civilization to constitute new temporary rules of order. In team exercises they confront their attitudes to power, responsibility, desire and dependence. All in an attempt to circumvent Freud’s dilemma (freedom vs. safety) they are encouraged to try out new positions in relation to each other and to create a collaboration based on desire instead of necessity.
Civilization and Its Discontents (I) is the first part of a diptych performance. The second part, The Leviathan Camaraderie had its première in Stockholm fall 2015.
“As in "The Economy of Pleasure" (2012), Poste Restante successfully stages rather absurd but nevertheless acute moral dilemmas that the participants are lured to consider – in a friendly, ingenious and respectful way. It is as shamelessly as cleverly done”
Örjan Abrahamsson, DN
Co-produced by MDT (SE), Baltic Circle Festival (FI) and Leikfélag Akureyrar (IS).
Assistant: Erika Lindahl
Producer: Louise Waite
Residency: MDT and Leikfélag Akureyrar