Andrej Jus Balade za vsakdanjo rabo (Ballades for Everyday Use)
2009
A string of bitter sweet scenes
Directed by Andrej Jus
Co-producer E. P. I. center
Opening in October 2009
Premiere performance (Performed for the first time)
The starting point of the scenes from Ballades for Everyday Use is the restless loneliness of the little man. People caught in situations evoking strong emotions are deprived of any possibility of emotional reaction. Through this our world of cold rationalism, refinement and good manners is created. And the world of pure gentle ballades.
Andrej Jus
A street in the old part of town. A grey day, drizzle. People, as grey as the day, walk down the street. Their efforts to strut decisively and with self-confidence are in vain. Their sadness, distress and loneliness are felt in the air. They all have this in common.
Suddenly a woman stops in the middle of the street and starts to cry. People walking by look at her disapprovingly. She cries louder and more bitterly. People still walk by, scowling. (This continues for quite some time.)
Until finally a woman has the heart to walk up to her and hug her. (A pause. The hug stops the rhythm of the scene – it is felt by everyone in the street, even if they didn't see it.) The other woman starts crying too. This crying hug makes the two of them feel a warmth. People observing them stop, they are confounded.
A boy appears, hugs them both and cries with them. Then an elderly gentleman and lady, and one and another, until all of the people are one great bundle in the middle of the street and they are all crying.
