The Nature Theater of Oklahoma is one of the best-known New York off-off-off-Broadway troupes. Over the last six years they have focused on an ambitious project: “Life and Times”, a multi-part series of performances based on the life story of an ensemble member recounted during a sixteen-hour telephone call. In 2007 and 2008 – that is, before “Life and Times” and at the start of their international career – the Nature Theater of Oklahoma performed their pieces “No Dice” and “Poetics: A Ballet Brut” at steirischer herbst.
The company is now returning not only with “Life and Times – Episode 6”, but will also be staging episodes 4.5 and 5. Episode 4.5 is an animation film with every single image hand drawn and accompanied by orchestral music. The focus of the episode 5 performance is on an elaborate illuminated manuscript and live music. Episode 6 constitutes a turning point in the life story recounted so far and a moment of self-reflection. The transcripted interviews are once again the starting material for a show in which the group reflect on their private lives and on the experience of making live performances.
The Nature Theater of Oklahoma has thus recorded what each member has made of his or her life. And it takes stock: were the last six years profitable? What was sacrificed? What damage was done? What comes next? Episode 6 is based on conversations over the last two years while the group was on tour with “Life and Times”. The premiere in Graz – a performative family constellation that is as bizarre and chaotic as life itself.