ROTOZAZA

SIZE OF COMPANY
2–4 on the road

SCALE OF VENUE
Small- to middle-scale

PERMANENT STAFF
Director/Writer
Anthony Hampton

Performer/Writer
Silvia Mercuriali

ARTISTIC POLICY
Since 1998 Rotozaza has produced an innovative, humorous and risk-taking theatre. Recently, this has involved selected performers, different every night and often non-professional, who simply agree to follow instructions, live and unrehearsed – a practice which has produced links with artists and venues all over the world. Via strategies such as this, the work carefully confuses reality and fiction, celebrating theatre as a genre by identifying 'what can only be done live'. Rotozaza's work is production-light, inexpensive to travel and can often be performed in the language of the host country.

REVIEW EXTRACTS
'A hyper-reality... By creating an entirely private space in the public setting of a cafe, something extraordinary happens.' The Guardian (Etiquette)

‘An almost transgressive tension that is oddly exciting... As with a great suspense film, watching this unusually daring show provides the gradual recognition of being manipulated – and enjoying every second of it.’ New York Times (Five in the Morning)

'Part of the reason their shows are so gripping is the constant threat of disaster... at the same time, Rotozaza’s work exists in a tightly controlled world.' New York Times (Etiquette)

CURRENT PRODUCTIONS
Five in the Morning Three “guests” in swimsuits take instructions from the loudspeakers of Aquaworld, an enormous indoor leisure pool complex. At first hilarious and absurd, their predicament reveals itself as a strange and powerful reality. Rotozaza's “minimal masterpiece” explores the thin line between theatrical illusion and deceit. Foreign language versions possible. (65 mins, 4 on the road.)

Etiquette A half-hour experience for two people in a public space (e.g. café, lobby). Participants wear headphones telling them what to say to each other. Etiquette explores the difficulty of turning our thoughts into words we can trust. Available in foreign languages. (28 mins, multiple tables can be installed on a “loop”, 1–2 on the road.)

Romcom, or the Distance Love Can be Maintained Between Any Two Fixed Points An “automatic romantic comedy” for two unrehearsed actors who wear headphones telling them what to say and do. Text by Glen Neath. (55 mins, 2 on the road.)

WRAP-AROUND
At the heart of recent work by Rotozaza has been a fascination with people coping with tasks, live and unrehearsed. The performers are different every time and agree to carry out any instruction given to them. Rotozaza's workshop, led by Anthony Hampton and Silvia Mercuriali, explores both the different ways of implementing this strategy and the many issues it raises. Challenging and fun, the workshop offers a contemporary, use-able and practical insight into the very heart of our fascination with the live act. For artists of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of experience in theatre or performance. Can be adapted for younger participants. Works well in simultaneous translation. Post-show discussions, talks and seminars by arrangement.

RECENT INTERNATIONAL WORK
2006–07 Argentina (Romcom), Hungary, Ireland, Norway (Five in the Morning/Doublethink), Switzerland (Romcom), USA (Five in the Morning/Doublethink)
2005 Denmark (Ooff), Germany (Doublethink/Romcom), Ireland, Netherlands (Romcom), Italy (Ooff), Portugal (Five in the Morning)

TOURING AVAILABILITY
Throughout 2008