Virtual reality
Physical theatre for digital times

What is reality? Is it something real or merely a digital simulation?
And if even this show is nothing but an illusion, who is going to tell the audience in the theatre?

Virtual reality is the second, long-awaited show of the Ukrainian quartet of mimes Dekru.
In this show of physical virtuosity the concept of “virtual reality” takes on three intersecting meanings: virtual reality is one of the technological devices we use on a daily basis (smartphones and computers, in particular). But it is also the reality created by pantomime, which makes visible what is not so and is therefore the form of expression best suited to recounting the hyperconnected universe that we are immersed in. Lastly, virtual reality is also what each spectator constructs in their mind, interpreting what is in front of them in their own way.
Virtual reality is a humorous, evocative and dynamic investigation into the relationship between the bodily and the digital and into the influence modern media are having on our lives. A sequence of scenes, which lie somewhere between the every day and the dreamlike, which, without using words, props or scenography, manage to perfectly render the tangible and emotional details of the situations on show thanks to an extraordinary ability to mimic and the flexibility of bodies that become whatever the imagination of four artists on stage desires.
A show made of both stories and Instagram stories, poetry and TikTok. With the audience’s imagination, the stage, despite remaining empty, is filled with visuals, mobile phones, social networks, as well as crash test dummies that come to life and shifty nightclub characters. As in an interactive game or an analogue video game, the spectators take part in the action by interacting with the performers, who challenge them to basketball (with an imaginary ball, of course), turn them into living statues and involve them in their choreography.

Written and directed by director Liubov Cherepakhina, a teacher at the renowned Academy of Variety and Circus Arts in Kiev, Virtual Reality is Dekru’s second, long-awaited show, created during their time in Italy (which is still going on) following the difficult situation in their home country. Dekru are considered the spiritual heirs of Master Marcel Marceau. Winners at the Odesa Festival of Clowns and Mimes, with their universal language these artists have entertained and moved hundreds of cities in countries all over the world, including France, Germany, Spain, Polynesia, New Caledonia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary, Romania and Switzerland, as well as Ukraine and Italy.
The group’s ability to handle big topics in a light-hearted manner and with irresistible empathy has allowed Dekru to conquer even the vast audiences of TV programmes such as Ukraine’s Got Talent and Tu sí que Vales Italia. The quartet was chosen to perform during Pope Francis’ Audience for the Jubilee of Travelling Show People and as the star of the Gran Gala du Cirque, a show that brings together the best international circus performers in one great event.