Reindeer

Persistent harassment, stalking, bullying, sending unwanted messages, creating a sense of danger, invading privacy, making unwanted proposals — these are just a few of the long list of tools used by the classic stalker. Courteous empathy or even innocent flirting can unexpectedly turn into a trap from which it is extremely difficult to get out. Richard Gadd, a young British comedian who fell victim to prolonged stalking by a woman he accidentally met, was convinced of this. Because after all, we never know who that person is on the other side of the bar, smiling and calmly drinking another tea.

“The Reindeer” is not just an autobiographical story about a nightmare of delusions, a growing obsession, and years of fear, anger and struggle to survive each passing day. It is also a surprising tragicomedy that evokes a whole range of emotions: deep discomfort, but also the shadow of a smile; compassion, understanding and misunderstanding; sadness, anger and powerlessness. Ambiguity and moral ambivalence are key dramaturgic tools here, triggering a series of questions and calling into question the seemingly flawless intentions of the protagonists. Or is it possible to talk about two perpetrators and two victims in this toxic relationship?

The monodrama “Reindeer” was awarded twice at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2019, but the story is more widely known thanks to the high-profile Netflix series. The Polish premiere with Mateusz Znaniecki in the title role is directed by Filip Gieldon. The space is made available to artists and viewers by the Krystal Restaurant — a former cult café that, for the purposes of the monodrama, is transformed into a meeting place for Gadda and Marta — a meeting that changes everything.

The copyright to the art is represented by Agenzia ADiT Elżbieta Manthey.