SME // In the best case, you will feel uncomfortable; in the worst, you may leave in disgust. The production “Saved” should, however, be seen by as many people as possible.
Author of the text: Soňa Jánošová // reporter for the daily newspaper SME
She was offended and furious. So much so that she left the baby stroller in the middle of the park for him to take care of the child. But the group accompanying him had long since lost any sense of empathy. "A fight does them good. I read that somewhere," one says. "Can I piss on him?" asks another.
What follows is painful even for audiences who can endure a great deal.
This is not a contemporary text but the play "Saved" by British playwright Edward Bond. Since its premiere in the 1960s, it has sparked debate and remains one of the most significant and controversial events in the history of British theatre.
It is precisely this text that Divadlo Aréna presents as the opening production of the demanding 2025/2026 season.
Director Dávid Paška does not attempt to spare Slovak audiences either and, at a time when theatre is expected to provide comfort, relaxation and elegance, he presents stark images of poverty in its broadest sense.