The European Lesson

The performance

Weird coins, strange customs, charming accents, and interesting souvenirs to bring home. But are you being fooled? What really lurks behind an indigenous smile? An American anthropologist and four Europeans, supposedly imported from Slovakia provide the answers.

Through scenes from authentic Slovakian daily life with simultaneous language translation and in-depth explanations, the audience is invited to a journey through the hidden corners of Europe, to the last remaining prototype of sustainable culture, to a glimpse of the quintessence of Europeanity, to actually taste the last pickle in the European jar. At least this is what the audience is made to believe at the entrance. The point is of course that this show is all about crashing. About the demolition of a convinced idealists, and about how ridiculous it can look from the outside. The production was Philadelphia Live Arts Festival’s first international commission and presents an all-American cast.

Length: 60 min without interval
Language: English, nonsensical Slovakian, nonsensical German, Esperanto
Premiere: Philadelphia, USA, August 2007

Media

Lesson 80
© Jacques-Jean Tiziou
Eurnyweb1
© Jacques-Jean Tiziou

Previously touring

Norway, United States

Credits

Direction, script, choreography, set design, costumes, lighting design: Jo Strømgren
Performers: Aaron Cromie, Jeb Kraeger, Sarah Sanford, Catherine Slusar, John Zak
Music: Moondials, Red Army Choir
Sound consultant: Nick Kourtedes
Stage manager, assistant to director: Lea Pascal
Producer: Philadelphia Live Arts Festival
Co-producer: Jo Strømgren Kompani