Into the wilds of human nature

Nestled within the heart of Vienna’s bustling cultural hub of the 7th district, the Kosmos Theater presents a gripping solo production that plunges into the popular world of survival reality shows and the driving forces compelling individuals to sign up for such extreme experiences. “1 vs. Wild – The Apocalypse of Your Dreams” stars Lara Sienczak, delivering an electrifying performance that probes the depths and nuances of masculinity and the magnetic pull toward pushing one’s boundaries in the face of challenges. It does so with a good dose of humour, even as it presents the audience with serious questions.

Now, I have to admit I am a stranger to reality shows in general, and to survival shows in particular, but the play´s co-author Nadja Pirringer assured me that the text is adapted from actual dialogues on the YouTube-hosted German show “7 vs. Wild.”

7 vs. Wild is a popular German reality show that follows seven participants as they try to survive in the wild for seven days. Pirringer and Sienczak wrote the play to explore the issues that drive people (mostly men) to participate in such survival shows.

The play chronicles the solitary journey of a resolute individual undertaking a demanding survival challenge in the untamed wilderness, full of fearsome crocodiles and other potentially life-threatening traps.

While based on the show, “1 vs. Wild” is at once a critique of masculinity stereotypes and a thoughtful engagement with the psychological stresses that people can experience in our society, when pressures from social media, alientation from our environment, and career paths cause a disconnect from what life could/should be about. As the protagonist navigates days and nights in the jungle in isolation, they seamlessly transition between portraying the character’s inner monologue and the external challenges faced. They do so with a great deal of humour, so that the performance never becomes hectoring or boring.

The production skillfully weaves moments of both physical and emotional vulnerability with comical instances where Lara breaks into song as if performing on a song contest stage. (I hasten to add the they have an absolutely beautiful voice!) The relentless pursuit of survival, encompassing tasks from securing sustenance to constructing shelter, juxtaposed with internal struggles like self-doubt, fear, and societal pressures to conform to rigid notions of masculinity eventually give way to reveal a softer, more sensitive side.

The minimalist stage design, featuring hanging wooden posts to evoke a vast forest or jungle, serves as a captivating backdrop for the protagonist’s journey. Equally mesmerizing, the lighting design transitions masterfully between the harsh glare of the sun and the eerie shadows of the night, mirroring the protagonist’s emotional fluctuations and even adding an occasional starry sky.

Lara’s portrayal of the protagonist is nothing short of exceptional, embodying the character’s multifaceted emotions and physical exertions with a raw authenticity that entertains and provokes thought.

Beyond the enthralling performance “1 vs. Wild” poses poignant questions about the nature of reality shows and the driving motivations behind confronting extreme challenges. In doing so it challenges stereotypes, but also explores the human desire to push boundaries and test one’s fortitude while remaining connected to the world (achieved here by live-streaming Lara´s adventures to the world). The monologue questions what it is that matters in life and the importance of self-awareness in shaping choices.

In summary, “1 vs. Wild” is an intellectually stimulating and entertaining performance, it prompts a reassessment of gender-based perceptions and personal motivations.

The performance concludes with a significant revelation — discover it for yourself and seize the opportunity to witness this unique and powerful one-person show before it concludes its limited four-show run at Vienna’s Kosmos Theater. “1 VS. WILD – The Apocalypse of Your Dreams” is showing at Kosmos Theater from January 29th to February 1st.