Bonanza

A small town, the smallest in Colorado. Five occupied houses, the Rocky Mountains at their door. In winter the streets are covered in snow. A mountain stream runs straight across the village. And if we watch for long enough, we can see the elves. Bonanza is a unique film portrait of an abandoned mining town.

It once had 6000 inhabitants. With 36 saloons, 7 dance halls and a huge number of prostitutes for the miners. Their motto was ‘Get in, get rich, get out’. Now the town is home to seven inhabitants, imbued with spirituality on a foundation of accusations, gossip, murder and fear.

In the summer months, Mark fights forest fires all over the United States. He is in conflict with Ed and Gail. Is terrified of Mary.

Ed and Gail, an elderly couple. Would like to rejoin the town council. Gail is a painter. Ed deals in old-timers. Are in conflict with everyone except Mary and Richard.

Richard is a priest in Pueblo, a town 300 km away. He is in Bonanza on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. Keeps aloof from the other inhabitants.

Mary is known all around as the witch. Is out on bail, paid by Ed and Gail. You can phone her for paid spiritual advice. She is in conflict with everyone, together with Ed and Gail.

Darva and Shikiah are the two new ladies. They describe their profession as metaphysical coaches. They see the elves above the stream in the early morning. According to them, there are better times ahead. Are in conflict with Mary, Ed and Gail.

Joan, the present mayor. Lives 300 km away. Is a descendant of the town’s founder. Is determined to remain mayor to protect Bonanza against Ed and Gail. Just about all the inhabitants say Bonanza is the world in miniature.

Berlin portrays this microcosm in a set-up with several film screens and a soundtrack by Peter Van Laerhoven. Bonanza is the third part of the Holoceen series, following Jerusalem and Iqualuit.

Theater Arte: Lakensestraat 159 Rue de Laeken, 1000 Brussels (in front of KVS-Bol)