Short Quiz: Kutaisi (Aea, Kutaea)

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THEATRE NEWS

Play "Forbidden Christmas or The Doctor and The Patient' was written, designed and co-directed by world-renowned Georgian artist Rezo Gabriadze, born in Kutaisi. Performances are scheduled in USA and Europe. World Premiere took place in Minneapolis, MN May 11-23, 2004.

PLEASE CHECK OUT THE SHOW SCHEDULE

 

 

Based on real story about a man from Kutaisi who believed he was a car. A soldier named Chito (performed by famous Artist Mikhail Baryshnikov) returns from war to find his sweetheart freshly married to his best friend, riding off in a brand new car. Traumatized by the betrayal, Chito creates an imaginary car that he begins to drive around town. Drama unfolds on a snowy Christmas Eve when Chito desperately urges a local doctor to visit a patient who is extremely ill. Within the structure of this simple narrative, Gabriadze creates an elegiac synthesis of art, drama, poetry, music, and movement that tells the tale of lost cultures, dreams, and a Christmas that is celebrated covertly because the government forbids recognition of the holiday.

Fact: Almost every person in Kutaisi has seen (if old enough) or heard about kind-hearted "Shilaia" - eccentric individual who could be spotted anywhere in the town "driving" his imaginary automobile. Sometimes he would hang out at the "Old Train Station" in Kutaisi and offer ride to newly arrived passengers. Some would take his word seriously and follow him outside where Shilaia believed he had his fantasy car parked. Then Shilaia would "start" his car with the key he was holding and would repeat all movements that drivers do, he would even change gears with invisible stickshift and cruise through the streets of Kutaisi. It was impossible not to laugh and same time not to feel bad about him.

THIS IS A MUST SEE SHOW! IF YOU HAVE CHANCE YOU GOTTA SEE IT!