Critic calls Student Play Debut a 'Masterful Achievement'

Last May, the 23rd annual Prague Fringe Festival premiered a dystopian play created by students from Prague City University, titled "Ants and Other Strong Things." Written by MA Fine Art student Raynar Rogers, the play delved into the intricate and often challenging experiences of queer childhoods, highlighting the personal and political obstacles that hinder the journey toward self-discovery. The performances, held at A Studio Rubin, had a strong impact on the audience who were deeply moved by the relationship between the two main characters, Charlie and Maya.

A Regressive Future?

Set in the future, the play mirrored our current society, where conservative politics and digital surveillance increasingly threaten individual freedoms, particularly within the Queer community, whose rights are often and covertly eroded.

The Power of Collaboration

The collaborative efforts of the cast and crew drawn from PCU’s student body brought Ranars’ remarkable script to life. Special recognition goes to Manuela Tabarés, an MA Fine Art student, who starred alongside experienced actor Magdalena Škerenčák. Both delivered outstanding performances that did not go unnoticed by critics, who praised their chemistry.

Above all, however, what shines through is the fizzing chemistry and domineering performances of the two main characters, Charlie and Maya.... Raynar Rogers crafted a narrative that balanced humour with heart-wrenching moments, allowing the audience to laugh, cry, and ponder the complexities surrounding love and identity. The storytelling was multifaceted, employing scripted dialogue alongside devised and physical theatre techniques. This blend created a dynamic and immersive experience that resonated on multiple levels. It’s a masterful achievement to see such a thorough exploration of all suppressive elements of surveillance capitalism.

Jake Mace, Binge Fringe
Read the full review here.

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Reception at Prague Fringe Festival

Held over three nights at A Studio Rubin, "Ants and Other Strong Things" played to packed houses. Opening night attracted notable attendees, including British Ambassador Matt Field OBE. After the performance, he described it as "a real highlight of the Prague Fringe—thoughtful and thought-provoking.". Additionally, Global Fringe Festival blogger Jake Mace from Binge Fringe awarded the show an impressive 4 out of 5 stars.

In addition to Raynar and Manuela, several other PCU students played key roles in the production. Set Designers Vania Avila and Brookelyn Duhamel, Costume Designer Andres Nunez Navarro, Video Artist Laura Prochilo, and Production Assistant Anzhelika Chychatka all contributed their talents. The Media Marketing team, comprising Alexandra Clarke, Sam Sziranyi, and Yara Derevianko, also played a role.

Impact Beyond Performance

The impact of "Ants and Other Strong Things" extends beyond its performances at Prague Fringe Festival. It serves as an example of how art can foster community engagement by addressing relevant social issues through compelling narratives.

For students involved in this production—ranging from fine arts to creative media production—the experience provided invaluable professional development opportunities while contributing meaningfully towards broader conversations about inclusivity within society.