Heads or Tails

A play by Katja Hensel commissioned by THEATER AN DER PARKAUE, Berlin and THOC. Part of the European Theatre Convention (ETC).

Context of the play
The media enjoy news coverage about violent incidents, especially if they are committed by teenagers. Almost every day we learn that violence among young people is increasing. The most recent research report of the German Ministry of Internal Affairs speaks a different language: the researchers observe a declining or at least consistent tendency. In Cyprus, on the other hand, there seems to be an increase in the number of violent incidents reported amongst young people and the matter is in the centre of public dialogue. In order to find out more about the young people's perspective as well as about their different experiences and attitudes, the German playwright Katja Hensel has started an intensive research phase with young people in Berlin and Nicosia in order to draw on their views and opinions: What does violence mean to them? What have they already experienced? Do they enjoy living in their city and do they like going to their school? What role does hatred of foreigners play? Texts and improvised scenes that have been developed by the pupils during this research period build up the basis for Katja Hensel's play.

Synopsis
Christopher, 15, brutally beat up a Turkish boy. After returning from a detention centre he wants to change everything. He breaks away from his former friends and makes an effort at school. He claims he went to the seaside for medical reasons so that nobody knows why he actually has to resit the class. Christopher turns into a enthusiastic advocate of the European Union. The peaceful, impartial and non-violent co-operation of cultures becomes his new ideal. But the new life does not set in: There are many construction works at his school. His parents never have time for him. His former friends make sure that he does not forget them. His new classmates sabotage him. Suddenly, the Other shows up and starts giving him a hard time. Constantly, he comments on what Christopher does and says, he exposes him as a liar and he bets that Christopher ends up in jail again shortly. The two start fighting, it is an exhausting fight pushing the boundaries. When Christopher thinks that he has finally silenced the Other, his life goes to pieces completely. An explosion happens at school with far-reaching consequences.

(in Greek)