Performance
We speak in a lighthearted way about the challenges of communication, language, and mutual understanding. Each of us has a unique way of perception, which can fundamentally differ from that of others. How do we find a common language and understanding? We were inspired by the life and work of the world-renowned philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, who, according to experts, showed a milder form of autism known as Asperger’s syndrome. Because of this, he looked at the world differently and noticed the variations in how we understand the same things. How do people with autism see the world? What might it look like if we perceived it through their senses?
The production offers an insight into the world of people with this neurodevelopmental difference, showcases the groundbreaking ideas of one of the most prominent philosophers of the 20th century, provides a wealth of information, and invites mutual respect. We are delighted to bring you these important topics in an accessible, lighthearted form.
The theatrical production Asperger vs. Wittgenstein, accompanied by a discussion about autism, has been performed more than 44 times in the Czech Republic and Slovakia for the general public, primary and secondary school students, at conferences of psychologists and psychiatrists, at the Slovak National Theatre – the most prestigious Slovak theatrical institution, and in cultural centers and theatres across Slovakia. It participated in the Fokus-Pokus 2022 festival of independent professional theatre in Trnava. It has received positive acclaim from critics, autism experts, and the general public. It is a high-quality work of art that carries deep meaning and educates in an innovative way, which is further proven by its ongoing success and the continuous interest in further reruns.
Text, set, costumes: Martin Kotúček
Cast: Peter Kadlečík, Gertrud Mária Korpič, Vlado Zboroň
Music: Lenka Novosedlíková
Sound: Jana Šturdíková
Lighting design: Gabriel Žitňanský
Movement collaboration: Renáta Ptačin
Artistic collaboration: Michaela Mazalánová
Dramaturgical collaboration: Juraj Hubinák, Ján Štrbák
Production: Magdaléna Čisárová
Photo: Peter Drežík
Poster: Rastislav Polenkovič
Dramaturgy and direction: Jana Šturdíková
Project partners: Divadlo K
Premiere: December 17, 2021
This production was supported using public funds by the Slovak Arts Council, the Bratislava Self-Governing Region, the Bratislava City Foundation, and the Bratislava-Old Town district.
WHAT THEY WROTE ABOUT US:
„In sixty minutes, director Jana Šturdíková managed to use highly theatrical means to create a multi-dimensional, imaginative, entertaining, and moving (but definitely not melodramatic, let alone pitiful) spectacle.”
— Markéta Polochová, theatre critic, review in Divadelní Noviny, a cultural bi-weekly for theatre professionals and their audiences. You can find the full review in the image attachment.
„In recent years, several projects addressing the topic of autism spectrum disorder have appeared on Slovak stages. (…) The production Asperger vs. Wittgenstein is a worthy, even very maturely balanced, and necessary partner to them, because it also brings a vital aspect of visibility to the topic—the playfulness and creative potential that the awareness of difference brings.“
— Veronika Kolejáková, artistic director of the P. O. Hviezdoslav Theatre, screenwriter, and psychologist. Review in Denník N: dennikn.sk
„I tip my imaginary hat to the diversity of the portrayed characteristics, into which the performers fully immersed themselves on stage… when the next performance is, I recommend that no one miss it.“
„…what else but art has the capacity to express and convey a sensory and communicative experience at a level that we actually only dream of in the form of words and logical explanations using all the possibilities of presentation technology?…“
„A plethora of personality types rotating on stage in a brilliant performance by the trio of actors.“
— Viera Hincová, psychologist, lecturer, blogger, author of the Deti bez návodu podcast, co-author of the #beznávodu portal, and mother of an adult daughter with Asperger’s syndrome. Review on: beznavodu.sk
