What do lifeless plants, fluorescent water dispensers, and sterile long tables have in common? They can all be found in an office. This is the set design in which the four members of MAN || CO present Heartcore Kantoor, (Heartcore Office) a physical theatre piece that takes a humorous jab at corporate culture. The performance examines underlying social relations and peculiar office phenomena through meticulous choreography, dynamic sound design, and visual symbolism, inviting us to question: have we normalised the inhuman?
“Power, fame, success” – the words chanted repeatedly during a scene where a performer attempts to claim power over the collective – are motivators that exist within every individual in a capitalistic society, though few would openly admit it. From this perspective, the performance illustrates the social structure within the organism of an office: how do individuals behave within the panopticon? How is the pretence of power maintained through machismo? What happens when collective obedience is disrupted?
These seemingly weighty questions are conveyed through a playful comedic quality. This was cohesively shaped by the sharp coordination between the performers, minimal but essential monologues, and costume design that not only supported distinctive characterisation but was also brilliantly utilised as props.
The solos of each performer were particularly effective in highlighting different aspects of office culture and served to zoom in on the individual mentality within the robotically managed workplace. Simultaneously, these personalised moments were reflective of the culture they inhabit and stood as a social commentary in their own right.
While the solos of each performer were spectacular, I would have appreciated more elaboration on the transitions within the arcs of character development. The burst of individuality in each character is already strong, but strengthening the delivery of how such moments emerge would heighten the build-up of tension even further.
Ultimately, Heartcore Kantoor breaks the confines of the office through play. Beyond the well-crafted synthesis between performers, the use of symbolism through colours and shapes ties everything together. The cold blues, flashing lights, and angular set at the beginning are replaced by warm oranges, dim smoke, and rolling balls at the end. Gliding forward atop yoga balls, the women of MAN || CO demonstrate a joyful resistance against uniformity. Rosina Lui in Utrecht 18th December 2024
Photo by Bart Grietens
Heartcore Office continues on tour until 30th April.
