Comments - Mayfly

A DAYFLY VISITS THE HOBBIT THEATRE. She only has one day. And yet, a whole life – dense and brimming. Hardly anyone lives as intensely as "The Mayfly" by "pohyb's and associates." In just under 90 minutes, Stefan Ferencz conjures a 24-hour biography – not chronological – onto the stage, a biography that packs a punch. Motherly love, learning to walk or fly (multifaceted), departure, heading towards the light or the promise, searching, landing, arriving, trying, letting go, happiness and sorrow. The whole spectrum of a life that may have some kind of endpoint with death, but doesn't truly end. Something continues... One of the play's most poetic, goosebump-inducing moments. That this fly sees the stage as her calling fits perfectly, is a compelling metaphor, and gives not only her, but also Stefan Ferencz, the opportunity to express himself comprehensively, powerfully, humorously, and meaningfully – all in Slovak. That's surprising at first. Even more surprising, however, is that it doesn't feel alienating. Ferencz achieves this too: demonstrating to the audience, quite literally, that there are words beyond language – that understanding is possible. And yet, there is this loneliness. It's always palpable, but never oppressive; instead, it touches the heart because it conveys the mayfly's profoundly concentrated desire to come to terms with itself, to be with itself. And besides, we all know that crucial, existential matters often have to be endured and resolved alone. One of the great things about the program is that everything, even the deepest and most existential themes, is imbued with a lightness (even the most physically demanding moments) that befits the small, delicate creature, the mayfly, and that enchants the audience. Stefan Ferencz – thanks in part to the direction of his partner Maike Jansen – doesn't just play a mayfly, he is one. In the end, you leave wondering if "pohybs and the like" have simply shown us that our lives aren't all that different.

One day, one life... The small theater space of "Pohyb's and Associates" is packed to capacity. With a brilliant blend of slapstick, pantomime, and clowning, Stefan Ferencz captivates and delights the audience for over an hour and a half in the one-act play "The Mayfly." Barely thrown into the world, the little mayfly's lifespan inexorably ticks away with every tick of its pocket watch. But the insect bravely plunges into the adventure of life, surrendering itself wholeheartedly to each moment. Initially stammering and trembling with stage fright, the fly develops into a magnificent actor. And then, in a heartwarming love story, the wildly beating hearts of "Romea and Julio" flit back and forth. The drama intensifies when "Telmah" grapples with the existential question "byt ci nebyt" (what is life?) and—as if flipping a switch—seconds later, the talented actor is hilariously amused by a joke he himself performed. Stefan Ferencz isn't acting—he is the mayfly, who loves and fights, suffers and rejoices with unrestrained passion. And the audience loves, fights, and suffers right along with him. Expressive and intense, Stefan Ferencz's performance captivates the audience, drawing them into the hearts of the viewers. When the mayfly's time finally runs out, the most important moments of her life flash before their eyes: her mother's death, the argument with her strict father, her first love, and her success on stage. This vibrant mayfly, who bravely ventured into the world and fearlessly fulfilled her dream, was a perfect fit for the end of the year. Her humming certainly sparked a few thoughts in the minds of the audience. They thanked the actor with enthusiastic applause for his outstanding performance. Everyone gladly accepted the invitation from director Maike Jansen and Stefan Ferencz, and enjoyed refreshments and lively conversation to round off the evening.

HOFHEIM (gk). Stefan Ferencz captivated the audience in Hofheim as a mayfly. Fortunately, the story wasn't about an ordinary housefly – after this performance, none of the spectators could ever swat one, no matter how much it tormented them. Profound despair, exuberant joy, childlike wonder – Stefan Ferencz enthralled the audience with the entire spectrum of emotions, using a blend of pantomime, slapstick, and clowning. The piece, titled "The Mayfly," was presented by the mobile theater group "Pohyb's and Associates" in Hofheim. But unlike the flying insect Ephemeroptera (from the Greek ephemeros = one-day and pteron = wing), this mayfly doesn't use its short lifespan solely for mating and laying eggs. Courageously, it escapes its confined daily routine and sets out to explore the world. She is in constant dialogue with a pocket watch that displays her relentlessly slipping lifespan. Finally, the fly fulfills her greatest dream and becomes an actor. It's indescribable how Ferencz, in rapid succession, mastered every genre – from romance to drama to comedy – and every role. Hearts fluttered between "Romea and Julio," Telmah philosophized about the question of "to be or not to be," and the joke teller was thoroughly amused by a Porsche driver joke. And even if no one in the audience spoke Slovak, everyone understood every word of the actor's expressive gestures and facial expressions. But eventually, the fly's final hour struck. Before she bid farewell to the world for good, she revisited the most important stages of her life. Ferencz was transformed into a baby fly, joyfully recognized his mother, despaired at her death, argued with his uncomprehending father, experienced first love, finally set off into an unknown world, and once again reveled in the audience's applause as an actor. In the play "The Mayfly," the Slovakian mime artist Stefan Ferencz incorporates a multitude of autobiographical elements. The audience expressed their gratitude for the artist's fantastic performance with prolonged applause.

...touched and enchanted... The Mayfly performance in Hofheim yesterday was a truly wonderful experience! We left touched and enchanted, and also a little sad. I felt sorry for the little bewildered fly; she would have loved to have had an enthusiastically applauding audience during her better days, not just at the end. The children also enjoyed it, especially the "lightsaber fight" that little Mucha performed. Thank you for the lovely evening... But then, under the mosquito net over the big bed, we all ended up discussing the flashbacks and the sequence of events in her short life. I love seeing you all! You are great artists with big hearts! Thank you for the wonderful experience.