Six Degrees

When we imagine the connection of new technologies, environmentalism, ecology, futurology and apocalyptic vision, we expect a cool installation of horrific and blame-bringing videos in some lab- white exhibition space. Such a self-critical reflection is brought also by this Italian project entitled Six Degrees, but in combination with theatrical mysticism and overpowering surreal poetry of image and music.

New technologies are a natural part of contemporary stage-craft. They can be used formally or for the effect. They can also be perfectly connected with the content and statement of a theatre work and become the means for reaching theatrical magic: “Santasangre took on the stage the beauty of technology, its potential expressiveness exalted at highest level, with an almost embarrassing perfection. A style machine, a technology of ideas, a system full of existential metaphors.” We do not watch the story of ecosystem by the eyes of the science but through strong theatricality, essential and minimalist stage form which brings something archetypally prehistoric as well as very technologic.

The Six Degrees does not have a traditional plot, it is rather an audio-visual installation with very thorough dramaturgical structure. Thematically it deals with fundamental environmental issues: What would happen if the temperature oh the Earth rose by six degrees? What changes would be following? Since the end of the 19^th century the average annual temperatures have been increasing. The global warming, though, has been the subject of discussions concerning the climate changes observed only at the end of the 20^th century. “Different climate models predict that between 1890 and 2100 the temperature rises in the range from 1,4°C to 5,8°C. Despite the global warming discussions deal mainly with temperature, climate changes may also bring changes of other geographic elements, including the sea level rise, extreme rainfalls etc. These changes may trigger various destructing phenomena such as floods, desertification, intense heat and decrease of farming products as well as extreme circumstances causing mass elimination of population.”

The production of Six Degrees, which is the last in the trilogy entitled The Study of Apocalyptic Theatre, the audience appreciates the high level of stylization, aestetization and the perfect form. The disappearing and appearing body of the performer behind the metal and glass construction surrounded by unreal images takes hold of our senses – is it a living human or just an optical apparition? We will not run from the effect of catharsis and emotional power of the questions set for our collective consciousness and conscience. The Santasangre go further in their examination of expressive possibilities, they are not afraid to cross any accomplished experience, they broaden the stage language and the scheme of signs and symbols and give an evidence that there are endless possibilities of artistic expression.
Romana Maliti