This is typical Tristero. The Brussels company is once more introducing a playwright, this time American Annie Baker who is known and praised in the English-speaking world for her finely crafted plays. Circle Mirror Transformation fits them like a glove, the text is cleverly constructed, plays with theatre codes, is funny yet at the same time poignant. The characters, while recognisable in their small-humanity, are nevertheless complex and idiosyncratic.  

At the local community centre, drama teacher Tine organises a course 'Game theatre for adults'. Only three students enrol: Raf, a divorced furniture maker; Lauren, a self-conscious high school student and Theresa, a former actress. To make the group a bit larger, Ludo (Tine's husband) also comes along for the workshop.   

Tine hands out various tasks to the participants. Throughout the seemingly innocent drama exercises and role-playing, everyone exposes themselves more and more. The characters become emotionally involved with each other which creates tensions. The theatre classes more and more turn into some form of drama therapy.  

“Bakers' text is absorbing, unblinking and sharply funny....  The artificiality of the acting games just emphasises the naturalness of the characters' real lives and feelings.” – The New York Times 

• Tristero celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023, a long history intertwined with Kaaitheater. The company has a long track record in which three lines stand out: contemporary repertoire, quality comedies and its own creations. Circle Mirror Transformation by Annie Baker (1981) premiered in 2009 in New York and received the Obie Award for Best New American Play in 2010. The play now has its Dutch-language premiere.