27 March 2019 An crazy rhythm between the parcels
Belgian theatre company presents ‘Pakman’ in a delivery van Fechenheim (sh) – As a member of the audience at the performance of ‘Pakman’, you’d better take a deep breath before it starts, because during this breakneck number there’s no time to catch your breath.
The Belgian theatre company “Post uit Hessdalen“ will perform during the children’s and youth theatre festival “Starke Stücke” in various neighbourhoods. In Fechenheim too, the artists made an impression with their juggling and rhythmic performance. Juggler Stijn Grupping and drummer Frederik Meulyzer take the performance space for ‘Pakman’ straight away: The short but intense piece unfolds itself in a39> in a parcel van. The approximately 25 spectators sit on sturdy cardboard boxes, which are transported via a conveyor belt through a hole in a plexiglass panel to the small room are transported. ‘Pakman’ has just a short break, but then the stress begins. The clock ticks relentlessly and there are so many parcels to be delivered. Grupping depicts the increasing frenzy through rubber balls in a a81> mad choreography precisely against the table, walls and the ceiling so that they bounce, whilst Meulyzer at the same time performed a wild, yet precise drum dance performs. The two allow themselves only short breaks, then goes the alarm clock goes off again and the stress continues.
The timing is perfect, the show breathtaking. “Our idea is to highlight the madness of delivery services. You order something at night and expect the parcel to be on your doorstep first thing in the morning,” says Grupping, explaining the message behind “Pakman”. He learnt the art of juggling as a child, and his performance partner Meulyzer has also been playing the drums since childhood. The duo spent two years rehearsing their programme under the artistic direction of Ine Van Baelen, and have been touring in their special truck since July 2016. “The show never bores us; on the contrary, we’re constantly incorporating new elements,” says Grupping.
Juggling and drumming in the cramped lorry is a major challenge, but having a vehicle like this as your own stage naturally has its advantages too. “We can perform anywhere – in school playgrounds and in small villages that don’t have a venue,” says Meulyzer. Incidentally, “Pakman” gets by entirely without words and is a unique experience for adult audiences as well. The show can be seen today in Hattersheim, on Thursday in Zeilsheim, on Friday in Sindlingen and on Saturday at the Nordwestzentrum. More information at www.starke-stuecke.net.
