Woyzeck


Stage Design, Video Design

2009

This video installation takes Georg Büchner's play "Woyzeck" to new interpretation, drawing powerful parallels between human suffering and animal abuse. By transforming the setting from a military installation to a zoo, the project immerses the audience in an unsettling atmosphere, inviting them to participate as circus extras and bear witness to the stark realities of oppression and dehumanization.

As the audience witnesses the story of Woyzeck unfold, they are confronted with a powerful visual juxtaposition. The image of a miserable Woyzeck, a poor army infantryman struggling to provide for his family by participating in clinical trials, is superimposed on the images of caged animals. This comparison highlights the stark resemblances between the suffering endured by humans trapped in oppressive social structures and the inhumane treatment of animals in captivity, forcing the audience to reflect on the parallels between the two.

Presenting Woyzeck's story against the backdrop of a zoo emphasizes the dehumanizing nature of his experiences and the ways in which society can strip individuals of their dignity and autonomy. The audience, as active participants in the performance, is compelled to confront the uncomfortable truths about the human condition and the systemic injustices that persist in our world. Through this immersive and thought-provoking experience, the project invites the audience to consider the far-reaching consequences of societal pressures and the importance of empathy and understanding in the face of adversity.