Alexander Singh's The Humans: A Theatrical Mashup of Philosophy and Comedy
The Humans, a three-hour theatrical work by Alexander Singh, premiered in 2013 with video documentation released in 2014. This play intertwines elements from ancient Greek comedies with nods to Shakespeare's The Tempest (1610–11) and A Midsummer Night's Dream (1590–96), alongside influences from Disney's The Jungle Book (1967) and Dumbo (1941). It delves into theological and philosophical inquiries through a blend of origin narratives, highlighting the conflict between reason and primal emotions. Notable characters include demigods Tophole and Pantalingua, a mute rabbit named N, and an overweight Scouser Prime Minister. Featuring grotesque masks, the work also references thinkers like Nietzsche and Kant. Singh, who presented it at Witte de With and Performa 13, regards it as musical theatre. This article originally appeared in April 2014.
Key facts
- Alexander Singh created the play The Humans in 2013 with video documentation in 2014
- The play blends ancient Greek comedies with references to Shakespeare and Disney films
- It explores theological and philosophical themes through a mashup of origin stories and theosophy
- Characters include demigods Tophole and Pantalingua and a silent rabbit named N
- Sculptor Charles Ray is depicted as a Prospero-like figure on an island
- The work was shown at Witte de With in Rotterdam and Performa 13 in New York
- Singh references philosophers like Nietzsche, Leibniz, Hegel, and Kant
- An exhibition featured drawings, props, sculptures, and character portraits from the play
Entities
Artists
- Alexander Singh
- Charles Ray
- Martin Freeman
- Richard Ayoade
Institutions
- Witte de With
- Performa 13
- ArtReview
Locations
- Rotterdam
- Netherlands
- New York
- United States