Opening Otherness
BY JAZMINE REYNOSO
Other: member of a dominated out-group, whose identity is considered lacking and who may be subject to discrimination by the in-group
Othering: transforming a difference into otherness so as to create an in-group and an out- group
Otherness: characteristic of the Other
In-group: a group to which the speaker, the person spoken of, etc. belongs
Out-group: a group to which the speaker, person spoken of, etc. does not belong
International Encyclopedia of Human Geography 2008 Edition by Elsevier
What is otherness?
Over the course of two months, this show was developed with a group of performers in Bucharest, Romania exploring this ideology to define the meaning for themselves. How can we appreciate and give gratitude to those who fall into the category of other? What does it mean in our present time to be other?
Devised from real stories interviewed by artists from different parts of the world who endure the struggles or conflicts of being an outcast. The director found solace through puppetry and storytelling to shine light on these experiences, sharing with the audience a glimpse into the perspective of the other.
About this event:
This event will be presented as a filmed version of the performance with a talk back afterwards. This is a private event, so no tickets are required. Runtime is approximately 60 minutes.
A message from the artist
There’s a line in the show, “it feels like a long time coming, but it’s loud now and at the right time.” This is exactly how I felt when I started working on this project, and for the first time I was able to take a step back while developing over the last two years what’s been driving me inside that led me to creating this performance. My work is constantly reflecting the world we live in, so by challenging myself to dismantle these structures of society or perspectives that I’ve discovered when living abroad that perpetuate inequality. “You have to be comfortable with making other people uncomfortable,” by having uncomfortable and inappropriate images, ideas, or histories to be acknowledged and explored, instead of being ignored or looked down upon. It was time to talk about myself and my own journey for once, but also those who find themselves in the same space as me. To show them, they are not alone.
“We are able to share stories, we’re not just sharing these stories about our pain or hurt or being different but we’re also sharing love stories, friendships, we go through the same things.”
Creative team
Director: Jazmine Alicia Reynoso
Producer: Mike Savuica
Collaborator: Unfortunate Thespians Theater Company
Scenic Designer: Cilem Turkoz
Filmmaker: Răducu Popa
Writer: Julia Farcas
Dramaturge: Dan Boldea
Music Composer: Analia Lentini
Puppet Designer & Maker: Madison Weinhoffer
Cast
Andreea Rogoveanu
Claudia Moroșanu
Andra Brebu
Alis Nină
Lavinia Călinescu
Radu Ureche
Nicoleta Marica
Alexandru Tihoan
Ichim Irina
Teodora Vasu
Cătălina Tudorache
Lorena Luchian
Alexandru Cruceru
Gicu/Oscar the Puppet
