After Machine or Občan, the first quality emerges at the end of the dramaturgical season with questions about the generational gap between the younger generation who depend on information technology and the generation that prefers face-to-face communication. The Shakespeare title of Matěj Balcar’s original play Much Ado About Like suggests that serious issues are addressed here with exaggerated humor.
Living side by side with 80-year-old sculptor Alfons Moucha and his grandson Alex under the same roof is not harmonious. While Alfons, a lover of women and fine wine, despite his age, lives his life to the fullest in real life, Alex only happens in social networks.
And while it seems impossible at first that these two can find their way to each other, it actually takes a bit for them to understand what’s bothering one another. And from there it’s only baby steps towards a solution.
Through dialogues and lively situations, Matěj Balcar deals with the problem of communicating without feelings from both sides, so that the audience initially hears the laughter of the younger generation alternating with the reactions of the older generation. But gradually everyone, regardless of age, had fun. It’s only in the end that the drama devolves into a bit of unnecessary guidance and explaining the obvious, and thus the production has multiple endings.
As director, Martin Balcar had the good fortune of casting Jan Vlasák, whose character Alfons shares not only age, but above all energy, zest for life and courage to face ever-new challenges. Alfons Vlasák is a natural, lively, and believable character who keeps the audience in sympathy from start to finish.
A good partner for him is the young actor Martin Lay in the role of Alex. He manages to capture the confusion and uncertainty of a young man who doesn’t know what to do with life. The third pinnacle of the matching acting triangle is Daniel Šváb in the role of Alfonso’s friend Verner.
Production A lot of noise for the like is a tip for a great evening that will entertain, but at the same time leave a lot of food for thought. And across generations and the gender spectrum.
| Matěj Balcar: Lots of fuss for the likes |
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| Directed by Matěj Balcar, set by Jan Balcar, costumes by Hanna Soukupová. Premiere on 23 May at the Na Jezerce Theatre, Prague (written from reruns 9 June). |
| Rating 80% |
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