Human and Tyrant

From a prehistoric experiment to a harsh monologue about the present day. About us. About war. About responsibility.

An intense solo performance in which the audience is involved as a participant in a social experiment about power, freedom, and responsibility. Based on Vladimir Nabokov’s story “The Extermination of Tyrants,” the performance explores the limits of free will, the mechanisms of violence, the normalization of hatred, and humanity’s ability (or inability) to resist tyranny.

At what point do we become complicit in silence? What happens to humanity in a world dominated by power and propaganda?

The performance deliberately հրաժuses the safe distance of traditional theater - the audience is invited to reflect, choose, and react. It is a harsh, ironic, and honest work about contemporary reality and each person’s personal responsibility within it.

Actor and director: Vadim Bogdanov

Music: Vladimir Sklema, Pornofilmy band

Creative team: Eduards Beļnikovs, Jegors Afoničs, Marina Ivanova, Elīna Veinšteina, Alina Hačetlova, Joren Dobkiewicz, Viktors Andruškevičs

Production: New East Cultural Institute

The guest performance is made possible with the support of the State Culture Capital Foundation (VKKF).

Warning: strong language, strobe lights.

This performance may offend and that is exactly its purpose. If you are looking for safe comfort, this performance is not for you. If you are looking for an honest conversation, welcome to the experiment.