Teenage Riot

1 November 2013 | 11:02 am | Oliver Coleman

We are made all too aware that these teenagers understand what is wrong with the world. The adult audience is told, “You are not an example; you’re a warning.”

Teenage Riot, by Belgian performance group Ontroerend Goed, features teenage performers voicing their distress with the world as it is – a world blemished by the mistakes of their elders. It is the second part of a trilogy by Ontroerend Goed that addresses adolescence. The first part, Once And For All We're Going To Tell You Who We Are So Shut Up And Listen, featured at the 2009 festival while the third part, All That Is Wrong is appearing later this festival. However, it is not necessary to see the other parts to fully appreciate Teenage Riot

The performers retreat into the privacy of a room, a teenage hideaway, constructed on the stage. The goings-on within are filmed by the performers and projected via live feed onto the front wall of the room outside. It utilises the language of self-broadcasting and YouTube. The camera is the silent confidant amplifying their grievances.  

Whilst referencing the hyper-sexualisation of youth in the media and entertainment industries and the impact this has, the work also draws upon a deeply honest investigation of teenage sexuality – love and lust. The work is often chaotic, appropriately communicating the energy, anger, fear and hope of adolescence. Teenage Riot is honest, affecting and formally exciting. We are made all too aware that these teenagers understand what is wrong with the world. The adult audience is told, “You are not an example; you're a warning.”