In this Kosovo-German performance, Berlin choreographer Jochen Roller directs a new play by Prishtina-based author Jeton Neziraj. In the play, protagonist Carla del Ponte travels to Kosovo hunting for criminals of organ trade. During a short break, she goes to a Starbucks Café in Prishtina and is surprised that her favourite drink, the Vanilla Chai Latte, tastes similar as in Europe. This incident triggers a rant about the failed liberalism of Europe’s old democracies, the pornographic appeal of Western capitalism, organ trade and the superiority of Swiss knives.
Choreographer Jochen Roller puts Neziraj’s text in motion, with five supreme Kosovarian actresses who juggle the English text in a high speed choreography. The actresses madly transform from Carla del Ponte into Madeleine Allbright, a terrified German woman, Marina Abramovich, Mother Teresa, an organ seeker, an organ donor, Ulay, Bill Clinton, Elez Nikçi and Carla del Ponte’s brother.
“Carla del Ponte trinkt in Pristina einen Vanilla Chai Latte” is a dazzling performance of ever-changing perspectives and a choreography of contracting attitudes. It’s danced propaganda about the persuasiveness of ideology – fast, furious, tragic and funny.