"You'll enjoy - and survive - the end of the world," invites dancer and singer Michal Pribylinec to Armageddon
Michal, if you had to describe in one word how you perceive Armageddon, what word would it be and why?
Reflection, I guess. If I imagine a situation where someone told us that the world was going to end in sixty minutes, after the initial shock and the desire to reverse the irreversible, I would naturally start to wonder if I had lived the way I imagined. If I've had the experience I wanted... and if there was anything left unsaid in the relationship. I'd just start recapitulating my life. I haven't experienced the end of the world yet (laughs), but that inner reflection would probably resonate with me the most.
Would Armageddon be the ideal end of the world for you?
The one with the Losers, maybe. (laughs) Otherwise, I remember when I was a kid, I had a dream about the end of the world - everything was burnt and dead all around me... It was terrifying. Anyway, I wonder what information about the end of the world would do to us humans. If we would somehow pull together, or if there would be total chaos and panic. Or maybe both? But I find Loser's Armageddon safer, because I can invoice him after it's over. (laughs)
Some of the acrobatic stunts that Losers perform can also look somewhat scary. Have you ever been scared - looking at what's happening on stage?
At first I was a little bit scared, especially about the core team of Losers, they do incredible acrobatic stuff! I'm not really an acrobat myself, but they like to involve me as a dancer in some of their tricks, so I rather just hope that everyone survives and that I don't hurt anyone. But behind everything that happens on stage is the perfect technique and the huge experience of the performers. That's how I know the result will be a perfectly executed trick. And if it doesn't, the audience won't know it.
You've had the opportunity to work with Losers on several projects, which phase of performance preparation do you enjoy the most?
It depends on the project and the director. I like the beginning, when the first vision is created, although it usually changes completely in the course of the show. (laughs) I think my favourite phase is when everything connects, it starts to make sense and you know exactly what you're doing. In the case of Armageddon in particular, the most enjoyable part of the rehearsal process for me was when I was preparing the original song for the show together with Filip Jelinek, that was very stimulating for me creatively.
You also dance and sing with Ewa Farna, you take photos... Does the wide range influence you in your work with Losers?
I think in general it's great to be involved in different activities. It keeps you on your toes and you're always learning. Singing, dancing, theatre, photography, in all these activities you stimulate your brain, you have to adapt quickly in a new environment and also get along with those you work with. But in time you will find that such stepping out of your comfort zone is actually your new comfort zone.
If you like getting out of your comfort zone, don't you like the acrobatics too?
I personally enjoy acrobatics especially in conjunction with dance. When I find that intersection that can be functionally used within a choreography. Acrobatics is all about technique and precision and compared to singing, dancing and even photography it has one specificity: it's always a bit about life. And I like that! (laughs)
You graduated from VŠFS, majoring in marketing. Do you use this knowledge in your current work?
Studying marketing and management has given me a lot. I felt that it would not be my professional path, but I gained a lot of interesting knowledge that I still use today. Studying helped me understand how things work from a "managerial/marketing" point of view. I often have some ideas myself on how to support the projects I'm involved in, and I also really like to see how other professionals, like Ewa, approach branding.
And finally - why should the audience come to Armageddon?
Even though the subject matter may sound heavy, the viewer doesn't have to be afraid - there is a lot of humour, amazing acrobatic numbers, strong emotions. Our cabaret performers are great guides, so you'll laugh, you might even be moved, and most importantly, you'll take something away from it. You'll get a good dose of talent and emotion in the seventy minutes or so, and you'll leave feeling fulfilled. To put it simply: if you want to experience a mock end of the world, come to Bravo Theatre!. I promise you'll survive!
Armageddon.
