Stoolgame - The loner Already the title is somewhat "suspect". I find it strangely funny, that someone who decides to act alone, can only do this as a reaction to the community. With other words a "Loner" can never be recognized as such, without addressing the people surrounding him. He can only become a "recluse" by separating himself from the others. This is a contradiction in itself. If you decide to act alone - you must include your surrounding, in order to clarify your "Exclusive position". Also - almost always, the aim of a person, who decides to "act on his own" is to influence the people who are around him! But as I say this, I realize that I am wrong, because there are people whose lives were devastated by catastrophic circumstances, or people, who truly turn their back to our civilization and our materialistic values.But even then - they react on the deficiencies of our establishment and on other values, which characterize our society. Their "revolt" might have a myriad of different origins: deprivation, religious believes, social injustice, personal disappointments, political conviction, illness, poverty, and an endless list of other reasons! Whatever the reason - the separation from the "Group" is always a fact.
Such separations are usually not tolerated without resistance. Very often a direct confrontation is the case! In my work "Stool game" such conflict takes place. The plot is very simple: Whoever has a stool to sit on, is in, whoever does not, is out. And when "The loner" proves, that this idiotic "seating privilege" is not necessary, he must be sacrificed, only to be later canonized and accepted as a "Saint"! This very simple and in fact very banal "Ritual" is happening constantly.and on daily bases! We are very aware of this, but we don't seem to have the will or courage to put an end to it!? Jiří Kylián, The Hague, July 2011