Performed by Maksym Lytvynenko and directed by Aljoscha at the National Circus of Ukraine, Kyiv.
Visions of glory fill the young hero-clown’s mind as he jumps into the arena. Engaging in a brutal boxing with a tiny bioism, he later gathers this battered being and others, envisioning them as his military equipment. Imagining himself a great hero, perhaps Napoleon, or Putin-like, he marches and salutes himself, lost in self-admiration.
As he parades, the absurdity of his equipment becomes painfully clear. The squeaking bioisms outcrying the ridiculousness of his delusions. He shames and strips away the bioisms, understanding their incompatibility with his imagined heroism.
From a biological standpoint, the performance critiques power blindness and self-glorification, conditions deeply rooted in neuropsychological mechanisms. These behaviors can be associated with overactive dopaminergic pathways in the brain, particularly in the mesolimbic reward system. This system, involving regions such as the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens, drives sensations of pleasure and reinforcement, often linked to power and dominance.
The actors ridiculous behavior illustrates a psychological condition where grandiosity masks deep-seated self-hatred and dissatisfaction. Research indicates that such narcissistic traits can be exacerbated by early traumatic experiences, leading to compensatory behaviors aimed at gaining social approval and overcoming feelings of inadequacy. The overcompensation is a maladaptive attempt to restore self-esteem and control, rooted in childhood vulnerabilities and unresolved psychological pain.
Empirical studies suggest that glorification of power often results from a need to conform to social hierarchies and expectations. Such individuals may display an increased sensitivity to social feedback, relying heavily on the validation and acceptance from peers. This dependency on social opinions can lead to behaviors characterized by aggression and domination, driven by insecurities and a fragile sense of self.
The young clown’s violent behavior, rooted in masochistic trauma, reveals psychological scars tied to the body’s stress responses. Chronic exposure to humilation manifests in the pursuit of power as a way to buffer against perceived threats and vulnerabilities.
