Welcome to the shadow side of consumer society. Five performers crawl out of a large waste pile. They throw away things, trash and each other. They become stuff, the stuff is their life. Repetitive hoarding movements and herd behavior alternate. Is it Utopia or have they ended up in hell? They are waiting for something, a redemption, a new world. Can they free themselves from this self-made prison?

Waste Me is a site-specific dance performance by choreographer and theater maker Cecilia Moisio, created especially for Oerol Festival. It is a strong commentary on the out-of-control consumer society, a firm plea for reducing consumption and a critical look at how consumerism has changed our psyche, behavior, self-esteem and the appreciation of others around us. 

“It is not just about stuff; it also affects how we handle our relationships. If something or someone doesn’t suit us, we discard it and replace it.” – Cecilia Moisio

The total amount of waste an average european citizen produces annually (including energy, construction and household waste) sums up to 5000 kg. Approximately the same amount of waste found on Terschelling island was used as a base for the unique set design by Marlies Schot.

Waste Me at Oerol was produced by Maas Theater and Dance.

In March, April and May of 2025, the performance will tour the Netherlands in a theater version in co-production with Cecilia Moisio Company.

“The strong image, supported by the intense music of Marlon Penn,
comes as a slap in the face.” – Volkskrant

“You don’t often experience socially engaged theater of this level. Waste Me is a choreography in a place where we would rather not be. Confrontational is the right word.” – Theaterkrant

Photography by Bart Grietens

CREDITS

Concept + direction + choreography: Cecilia Moisio

Performance: Katarzyna Sitarz, Yulia Kalinchenko, Marlon Penn, Bianca Casaburi & Aaron Faneyte

Understudy: Art Srisayam

(Live) Music: Marlon Penn

Vocal coach: Katarzyna Sitarz

Texts: Cecilia and the performers

Decor: Marlies Schot

Costume design: Daphne Karstens, Rachele Steffè (assistent)

Dramaturgy: Merel Heering

Rehearsal director: Serano Pinas

Technique: Andrea Spoor, Frans Baudoin

Production management: Djoeke Westdijk, Lena Gevaerts (assistent)