Translated into arabic, the text of german writer Frank Wedekind (Spring Awakening, 1891) has been adapted in regard to the prevailing situation of Egyptian youth, their common experiences were taken as a base. It's a challenge with 25 Million Teenagers living in Egypt. Traveling to the Delta as well as to adjacent districts in Cairo, the production got to know a small part of them.
Becoming acquainted with their daily life included listening to flowery ringtones as much as (unspoken) doubts or believes. The subject is sensitive: How does it feel, when individual longings and sexual desires are confronted with certain social, political or religious agreements? Or when the criticism of infidel behavior generates both curiosity and guilt?
In interviews, workshops and scenic lectures the text of Wedekind has been re-read from different perspectives. Teenagers and grown-up "experts" tracked down the changes and consequences adolescences brings. Sometimes in a very direct way, sometimes by not answering.
For the performance some of the teenagers reappear again. Not personally. But transformed into fictitious characters of the Egyptian Spring Awakening. The borders between document and fiction are flowing. Reality bites meet fantasy pecks. Between tradition and western influence young adolescents, actors and dancers will try their part. On how it works. Or how it doesn't. Being a teenager.
performance in collaboration with Laila Hassan Soliman (D)
with: Ahmed El Gendy, Ali Khamees, Mohamed Abo El Fath, Ezzat Ismail
Hussam Hilali, Mehera Magdi, Salma Said, Sherin Hegazy
Choreography: Karima Mansour
Music: Mustafa Said
Set: Mohamed Shoukry
Costumes: Lina Ibrahim
Technical direction/Lights: Saad Samir
Sound Design: Victor Bresse
Production: Najoud Nazmi
Premiere: 01.04.2010 | Rawabet Theater | Townhouse Gallery, Cairo
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