The Island

The Island is a scenic multimedia modulation of the habitat of a nameless island on Jakubský Pond in the village of Poušť, located in the Czech Republic’s Nymburk district. Who is a human and who is an animal? Terribly alive, this performance is an existential dance expedition into unspoiled Nature. Uncertainty, mistakes, cracks, scratches and situations that cut to the bone. Emotions.

Jana Burkiewiczová, choreographer: “We tried to create a model situation, a kind of laboratory, into which you put individual elements, set conditions and let the story develop. Associations, links, and real-life situations were freely added, generating further development. We broke through the barriers and started to perceive who was a human and who was an animal. The outlines of the future became clearer.”

The Island features eight performers. Special architecture, animation and light compositions are an important part of the show.

Audience: adult, children 13+

About the company

Founded by choreographer Jana Burkiewiczová, Burki&com is a group of dancers, acrobats, actors and visual artists. In their joint projects, theatre performances, one-off events, workshops and collaborations with other ensembles, they search for new methods of expression within contemporary theatre and performance. It is impossible to say where and when Burki&com was first established since it has always seemed to be the result of a permanent concentrated movement. The group emerged as the result of collaborations between ensembles from leading theatrical and commercial projects that draw on contemporary visual methods. Burki&com was created from an innermost need – without a manifesto or the need to define itself – and from a yearning to explore new worlds.

Awards

The Theatre Critics Awards shortlisted The Island as one of the five best theatre productions of 2021 in the Czech Republic, making it the highest-rated movement performance. The show also received nominations in other categories of this prestigious award: Ifigenia and Ariadne Toumbeki were nominated in the category of female performance, Jaroslav Wertig in stage design and Jiří Konvalinka in music. Burki&com also received three votes/nominations in the category Theatre of the Year.

A selection of media coverage:
“If we were to search for the event of the season, then this would be the one. Wonderful dancers, great choreography, strong concept. Sometimes I feel like Czech dance is somewhat stuck, but this is truly a step forward. Hallelujah!”
Jana Návratová (IDU)

“A fascinating spectacle. Is it an apocalypse or a return to civilisation?”
Lucie Hayashi (Svět a divadlo)

“Jana Burkiewiczová’s choreography reminds me of a tornado. It is extravagant in its wild energy and the richness of images built on various situations and movement principles…”
Lucie Kocourková (Opera+)

“Beautiful, the best, wonderful! Make sure you don’t miss The Island!”
Patrik Florián (Dolce Vita).

“A dance production capable of awakening ancient senses we no longer use.”
Barbora Etlíková (Svět a divadlo)

“An environmental theme without excessive pathos and clichés. A production with strong movement and artistic inventiveness and a number of extraordinary dance performances.”
Roman Vašek (Svět a divadlo)