Spectators of the upcoming production of Gurumania will experience for themselves how a sect is created, how easy it is to succumb and become part of it. An interactive game drawing the audience into the story is prepared by the theater group bazmek entertainment.
The case of the Kutnohorsk sect, which is currently being dealt with by the Municipal Court in Prague, brought theatergoers to the topic of new religious movements. “The shocking revelation of manipulation, psychological, financial and sexual abuse and crimes leading to the death of several members, including the leader, caught the attention of a number of creators, including podcast shows,” said co-author of the script and director Michal Moravec.
“When we started researching this problem, in addition to all the terrifying practices and circumstances associated with situations within various movements, we came across another no less interesting subtopic, namely the reactions of people outside these sects,” added co-author and dramaturg Vojtěch Balcar.
Photo: Aktuálně.cz/ bazmek entertainment
“Misunderstanding, mockery, insults. These reactions can be found both in the closest circle of their members and also in the personally disinterested general public. In addition to the tragic fates of the victims, we also find the frequent question: ‘How can a reasonable person believe in something so obviously senseless?’ This dynamic between two views became a fundamental inspiration for us,” said Balcar.
“This question led us to choose a specific format of the production, where the imaginary ‘fourth wall’ is broken and the actors and the audience create their own sect, in which they can then act out its ritual. Through this simulation and unique experience, we will search for answers together to a number of questions that are connected with this issue,” the director described.
The premiere will take place on November 29 in the creative space Industra in Brno-Zábrdovice.
Welcome to Gurumania: Where Audience Participation Takes on a Whole New Meaning!
Gather round, theatre lovers—grab your popcorn and your skepticism because Gurumania is about to take interactive theatre to a bizarre new level! A new production from bazmek entertainment is promising to pull the audience right into the bizarre world of—wait for it—sects! Yes, you read that correctly! Forget about just sitting back and relaxing; you might find yourself inadvertently agreeing to a three-year subscription to ‘Team Enlightenment’ while pondering the existential question, “What have I gotten myself into?”
What’s Cooking in the Cult Kitchen?
Drawing inspiration from the infamous Kutnohorsk sect—yes, the one causing quite a stir in the Municipal Court in Prague—this play tackles the all-too-relevant issues of manipulation, abuse, and that fundamental question we all have: “How can anyone fall for this nonsense?” It’s almost like a pre-show warmer for the next nation-wide debate on whether pineapple belongs on pizza. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t, but cults? Apparently, they might!
Breaking Down the “Fourth Wall” or Just Sledgehammering Through It?
Co-author and director Michal Moravec points out how their exploration of these religious movements goes beyond the horrendous practices confined behind the closed doors of a sect. Instead, they’ve ventured into the wild reactions of mere mortals just like you and me. Think eye-rolls, snarky memes, and the classic “Can you believe THAT?” moments we don’t hesitate to share to our friends over a pint (or two). Balcar beats the drum for that unique perspective, adding, “It’s not just tragic; it’s also comedy gold!”
The Grand Spectacle Awaits!
The play aims to bring a mirror to our collective faces. Why do we mock? Why do we feel superior? It’s a dynamics dance that requires some audience participation—yes, you might just get a role that isn’t simply titillating, but slightly terrifying! The ‘fourth wall’ will not just wobble but may well crumble as you create your own little sect, filled with rituals that may range from the absurd to a fine wine tasting—provided you chant the right mantra.
Mark Your Calendars!
Premiering on November 29 at Industra, Brno-Zábrdovice, you won’t want to miss it. So, assemble your squad, strap on your role-play hats, and be prepared for the unexpected. Because if there’s anything we’ve learned from the religious fringe, it’s that you never know who might be pouring your Kool-Aid!
Final Thoughts
In a world where genuine inner peace can feel like an elusive wifi signal, productions like Gurumania remind us that theatre is not just about escapism but about addressing the quirks, struggles, and outright absurdities of being human. And if that means dressing up your friend as a cult leader for a night, then why not? Just remember, if they ask for your bank details, it’s time to run!
Attendees of the highly anticipated production of Gurumania will have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the intricate process of how a sect is formed, shedding light on the surprisingly simple path to succumbing to such groups. This innovative experience is brought to life by the dynamic theater company bazmek entertainment, who are set to engage the audience as active participants in the unfolding narrative through an interactive game format.
The disturbing case surrounding the Kutnohorsk sect, currently under scrutiny by the Municipal Court in Prague, has prompted a deeper exploration into the realm of new religious movements among theater enthusiasts. “The shocking revelations of manipulation and abuse—whether psychological, financial, or even sexual, alongside crimes that led to the tragic deaths of several members, including the sect’s leader—have captivated a host of creators, including those behind popular podcast shows,” commented Michal Moravec, co-author of the script and director of the production.
“When we embarked on this research, we uncovered not only the horrifying practices associated with various movements but also the equally compelling reactions of outsiders to these sects,” elaborated Vojtěch Balcar, co-author and dramaturg. “Misunderstanding, mockery, and outright insult often characterize the responses from both the immediate social circles of the members and the indifferent general public. In addition to the tragic fates suffered by the victims, a recurring question emerges: ‘How can a reasonable person believe in something so obviously senseless?’ This dynamic between those inside and outside the sects became a foundational inspiration for our work,” Balcar reflected.
“This inquiry led us to select a distinctive format for the production, wherein we dissolve the imaginary ‘fourth wall’ and enable the actors and the audience to collaboratively construct their own sect. This approach allows participants to enact its rituals. Through this immersive simulation, we aim to collectively seek answers to a myriad of questions surrounding this complex issue,” the director elucidated on the creative vision.
The exciting premiere of Gurumania is slated for November 29 at the avant-garde creative venue Industra, located in Brno-Zábrdovice, setting the stage for a thought-provoking theatrical experience.
Photo: Aktuálně.cz/ bazmek entertainment
**Interview with Michal Moravec and Vojtěch Balcar about Gurumania**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Michal and Vojtěch! Your upcoming production, Gurumania, seems to delve into complex themes surrounding sects and manipulation. Can you tell us what inspired this project?
**Michal Moravec:** Thank you for having us! The inspiration for Gurumania came primarily from the real-life case of the Kutnohorsk sect, which is currently being addressed in the Municipal Court in Prague. The shocking allegations of psychological and financial abuse within this sect really struck a chord with us. We wanted to explore not just the experiences of the victims but also the societal reactions to such movements.
**Vojtěch Balcar:** Absolutely. When we began our research, we discovered a rich layer of societal responses—misunderstanding, mockery, and even outright dismissal—directed towards those involved in these groups. We felt there was a compelling dialogue to be had about why people outside these movements often react the way they do.
**Interviewer:** That’s fascinating! You mentioned that the audience will participate in the production. How will this work, and why was audience interaction essential to your vision?
**Michal Moravec:** Breaking the “fourth wall” was crucial for us. We wanted the audience to really feel the dynamics of being part of a sect. In Gurumania, they won’t just be passive spectators; they will actively build their own sect within the performance. This creates an intimate and thought-provoking experience where participants can explore their own motivations and beliefs regarding cult dynamics.
**Vojtěch Balcar:** Right! It’s about prompting self-reflection. We want to challenge viewers to confront the question: “How could someone believe in something that seems so absurd?” This shared experience allows us to collectively wrestle with those complex emotions, including humor and horror alike.
**Interviewer:** It sounds both engaging and provocative! With the heavy themes you’re tackling, do you think that Gurumania will be comedic, or will it lean more towards a serious reflection on the nature of belief?
**Vojtěch Balcar:** We believe there’s a fine line between comedy and tragedy. While there are certainly dark themes at play, we’re incorporating elements of humor to shed light on the absurdities of these situations. It’s not about making light of the real pain caused by cults but about exploring the ridiculousness of human behavior—both the followers and the outsiders.
**Interviewer:** That makes sense. As you prepare for the premiere on November 29 at Industra, what are you hoping the audience will take away from this unique experience?
**Michal Moravec:** Ultimately, we hope to inspire empathy and introspection. By participating in Gurumania, we want attendees to consider their preconceived notions about cults and the people involved in them, and perhaps leave with a deeper understanding of the complexities of human belief.
**Vojtěch Balcar:** If we can spark a genuine conversation about these topics, then we will have achieved something significant. Our goal is that attendees walk away not just entertained, but also with questions lingering in their minds—questions about trust, manipulation, and the societal constructs surrounding them.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Michal and Vojtěch, for sharing your insights! Gurumania sounds like it will be a transformative experience for the audience. We’re looking forward to the performance!
**Michal Moravec and Vojtěch Balcar:** Thank you! We can’t wait to share this journey with everyone.
