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Cozmic Jazz - A Short History of the Universe

“A vanguard theatre that is popular, sophisticated and humorous at the same time."
- O Estado de Sao Paolo, Brazil

Cozmic Jazz--A Short History of the Universe is a satiric and humorous story about humanity—and a comic commentary on “the meaning of life.” A blend of music, dance, acrobatics, and comedy, the play abounds with curious characters and captivating imagery—all accompanied by compelling rhythms and great jazz.

The Play

From the chaos of the Cosmos comes this “Universal” tale of birth, life and the precarious pursuit of happiness. The story begins as a giant Bird and a great dancing Snake give birth to a peculiar band of humanoids. With the help of a mischievous Trickster they steal the sacred fire and head down the rocky road to modernity. Gangsters on stilts, tycoons in suits, dancing businessmen, singing spacemen, and competition run amok bring us to a surprising ending.

The play uses no verbal language: we draw upon the symbolism of everyday actions and gestures to create our work, and use music and percussion as an integral element. Cozmic Jazz is full of unusual characters, fascinating visual images and skills, abundant physical comedy, masks, and great jazz. The show is designed for open-air or indoor festival presentation, for audiences of all ages.

Written by the ensemble.

Performances

• Sziget Music Festival, Budapest, Hungary
• MIMOS Festival, Perigueux, France
• Savaria Festival, Szombathely, Hungary
• Deventer Stilt Festival, Netherlands
• Gyula Castle Festival, Hungary
• Lauwe Street Theatre Festival, Belgium
• La Piazza Festival, Augsburg, Germany
• Limburg Festival, Netherlands (8 cities)
• Open Air Festivals in 8 cities, Germany
• Festival Al Aire Puro, Bogota, Colombia
• International Street Theatre Festival, Koblenz, Germany
• International Children’s Theatre Festival, Singapore
• International Buskers Festival, New York
• Riverbank State Park Festival, New York
• Festival Internacionale Teatro de Oriente, Barcelona, Venezuela

From the Press

“The characters, and their music and dance on stilts, mirror the unity and conflicts of the Universe and its people.” 
​– Bekes Megyei Hirlap, Hungary

"They were dancing, balancing on stilts, playing the saxophone, wearing spectacular costumes and exquisite, unique masks."
- Vas Nepe, Szombathely, Hungary

"Excellent physical expressivity and musicality."
- Estado de Minas, Sao Paolo, Brazil

"A spirited blend of live music, acrobatics, and clowning."
- Kolner Stadt Unzeiger, Koln, Germany