An enigmatic theatrical piece that fluctuates between keen absurdity and poetic musings, interweaving dialogue, monologues, music, video, and a lot of playful wisdom.

HERETHEREWHERE, a captivating theatrical journey brought to life by the collaborating trio of Isabelle Kralj & Mark Anderson (Theatre Gigante), and Alessandro Renda (Albe/Ravenna Teatro), is a mesmerizing exploration of the human quest to find answers. With a unique and original text by awarded Slovenian playwright Rok Vilčnik, and with additional text by Anderson, Renda, and Kralj, this performance takes its audience on a ride through the chaos and unpredictability of a world marked by existential bewilderment.

Onstage, three clown-esque figures, their memories of the past obscured, attempt to locate themselves in the present in order to secure a future. Trapped in a surreal moment, they have received an enigmatic invitation to a party, with no clue as to the date, location, or time. The mystery engages them in absurd attempts to unravel the invitation’s secrets. They work together in their bewilderment, while breaking away to delve into thoughtful musings of contemporary dilemmas, alone. The absurdity of their quest for answers intertwines seamlessly with moments of profound, poetic reflection.

In the typical Gigante manner, this blend of amusing and perplexing dialogues and monologues invites the audience’s astute, thought-provoking engagement.

Against this backdrop, linguistic nuances emerge as the performers switch effortlessly between their mother tongues—English, Slovenian, and Italian. The incorporation of video images from their respective countries adds an extra layer to the narrative, offering glimpses into three distinct daily lives, three survival strategies, and three ways of existence.

HERETHEREWHERE is a testament to the artistic collaboration between Albe/Ravenna Teatro and Theatre Gigante. The roots of this collaboration trace back to 2015 when Gigante presented Marco Martinelli’s “Rumore di acque” with Renda in the title role.

The encounter between Kralj, Anderson, and Renda led to a fruitful partnership that continues with this collaboration – originally scheduled to premiere in Milwaukee in 2020, but which was disrupted by the pandemic.

The creative synergy between Gigante and Slovenian writer Rok Vilčnik has produced Gigante’s production of Vilčnik’s TARZAN, the video production/project of A COSMIC FAIRY TALE A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY, and the publication of a book of Vilčnik’s COSMIC FAIRY TALES – a project of the University of Maribor, Slovenia / Professor Melita Koletnik. The collaboration with Vilčnik, Kralj, and Anderson continues today, resulting in HERETHEREWHERE.

Notably, this marks the first international co-production for Albe/Ravenna Teatro and Theatre Gigante.

HERETHEREWHERE runs for one weekend in Milwaukee, and will subsequently tour to Italy, for a Fall run in Ravenna.

Post-show talkback May 18 and May 19.

A THEATRE GIGANTE – ALBE/RAVENNA TEATRO Co-Production

Conceived, Created, and Performed by
Alessandro Renda, Isabelle Kralj, and Mark Anderson

Written by
Rok Vilčnik (text from Light is a Lone Traveller)

with additional texts by
Alessandro Renda, Isabelle Kralj, and Mark Anderson

Directed by
Alessandro Renda, Isabelle Kralj, and Mark Anderson
in collaboration with Rok Vilčnik

Music by
Frank Pahl
with additional music by IKP, Vivaldi, Jason Powell, and Unknown

Videography by
Alessandro Renda

Animation by
Justin Thomas

Lighting by
Colin Gawronski

Technical Direction by
Sam Fitzwater Butchart