Workshops and Performances
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Fall 2012
ArtsLink Project
Ruben Polendo, Justin Nestor and Michael Littig of New York-based Theater Mitu recently returned from a fulfilling month in Ulanbaataar, Mongolia, where their exchanges with students, artists and collaborators were, writes the company, “a life-changing and thought-altering experience for both sides.” The CEC ArtsLink Project grant recipients, supported also by The Arts Council of Mongolia and the US State Department, carried out a multi-faceted program of research, collaboration, teaching and performing during their stay.
Nominjin (right) performs with Theater Mitu in “Heartpiece”
The cumulative project for the company was the creation and production of an adaptation of Heiner Mueller’s play HeartPiece, in collaboration with renowned Mongolian vocal artist Nominjin. This was the theater’s first large-scale performance collaboration with an international artist. The performances, two in Ulaanbaatar and one in Erdenet, featured talk-backs with audience members, and drove one experimental film student who felt misunderstood by her professors to remark, “You gave me hope. I wish I could bring my teachers to see this.”
The performance incorporated the artists’ extensive research and training in Mongolian performance traditions long song, khomeii (throat singing) and contortion. Through conversations with fellow artists about the heritage of Mongolia, their isolation from the west, and their interest in new and inventive forms, Mitu writes: ”Our presence was welcomed and sparked intense conversations about the fusion of traditional forms and other contemporary western models.”
A workshop lead by Theater Mitu (left). A member of Mitu practices with acrobats (right).
Along with this research, Mitu taught workshops to young theater majors at the local university, using their concept of “Whole Theater” to train the students in physical tools to enhance their trust, community building and ensemble dynamic. A significant connection made during their trip was with a young local singer, Soyombo Enkhsaikahn, who served as Theater Mitu’s intern during their trip.
Soyombo writes of his experience: “My dear friends, Ruben, Michael, Justin, and my closest colleague Nominjin. I just can’t thank them enough for this big change that took place in my life. Because, I truly see the undeniable passion of creating and sharing of an artist in me, which gives me a kind of feeling that I am actually cursed with this beautiful essence of talent to entertain and enlighten our other selves, which is a great responsibility also in the other hand.”
The company plans on bringing the performance to Abu Dhabi and New York City, so rest assured this won’t be the last time we hear from them about their momentous experience.
More information about Theater Mitu.
