Production "Mauser" by Alexei Strelnikov,
performed by the experimental theater "Head-Naga",
opened "Theatrical Chest-2014". https://www.facebook.com/teatralny.kufar/photos/a.138738136183595/755487731175296/

"Mauser" was written in 1970 as the third part of an experimental triptych; the first play from this series is "Philoctetes", the second is "Horace". The triptych is based on the theory and practice of Brecht's "educational" drama, but also polemics with it, "Mauser" – a variation on the theme of Sholokhov's novel "The Quiet Don" – is not a repertory play; an extreme case is not a subject, but an example on which the continuum of normality to be refuted is demonstrated; death, on the enlightenment of which, in tragedy or repression – in comedy - the theater of individuals is based, is regarded as one of the functions of life, as production, as work organized by the collective, organizing the collective. IN ORDER FOR SOMETHING TO COME, SOMETHING MUST GO AWAY. THE FIRST FORM OF HOPE IS FEAR. THE FIRST APPEARANCE OF THE NEW IS HORROR.
A performance in front of the public is possible if the public is given the opportunity to check the performance of the performers by the text, and the text is checked against the game by reading the role of the Choir or the role of the first actor (A). The role of the Choir can be read by one group of viewers, and the role of the first actor by another, and the part of the text that should not be read by this group remains unknown to this group; other techniques are possible; the reaction of the audience can be controlled by the asynchrony of the text and the game action, the non–identity of the reader and the actor. The proposed distribution of the text by roles is only a scheme, it can vary, the choice of the option depends on the political decision that needs to be made anew each time. Examples of possible options: The Choir puts at the disposal of the first actor for certain parts of the role of the performer of the first actor (A I); all members of the Choir, one after another or simultaneously play the first actor; while A I plays the first actor, the first actor performs certain parts of the role of the Choir. No performer can replace another during the entire action. Experiments can only be conducted collectively; training the (individual) ability to experiment is a function of the play. The second actor (B) is represented by the Chorus; after he is killed, he will take his place in the Chorus again. Theatrical means are used only openly; props, costumes, masks, jars of makeup, etc. are on stage. The city of Vitebsk is a common term for all places where the revolution has been and will be forced to kill its enemies.

    1970