From the blessing into the fire

The post has arrived! Who doesn't get excited about lovely new things that the courier brings to their doorstep? Every day can feel like Christmas if you want it to - and the internet is the angel-lined path to presents. The team from the independent group Teatro Lata tackles the captious charms of the online world in the children's theatre "Bon App!".

The play mixes different narrative levels, mixes music with play, mixes rap with cumbia, mixes the fates of Frank and Carlos. One sits at home and orders whatever he can. The other sits in the warehouse of the courier service Super Blitz and delivers what he can. After all, influencer Frank wants to keep his online community entertained with cool unpacking videos and courier Carlos might one day set up his own business. The more parcels, the more money - it makes sense.

But what exactly are the gifts? "What's in all these parcels?" asks young critic Gustavo, who is allowed to attend a rehearsal on his free Wednesday afternoon. "And why doesn't the man open them all? Is he tired?"

Of course, Gustavo knows the parcels from home. They contain clothes for him and his little sister. Wonder pillows, pizzas, shoes for his father. Books, records, a mini printer for sticky labels, or a Gameboy on which you can play Super Mario and about a million other old console games.

Yes, the postman always brings toys too. For example, a wooden jigsaw puzzle that was once transported halfway around the world so that Gustavo could better understand the dimensions of his mum's native South America. Unfortunately, the first time he put it together, one or two Brazilian states came loose from the base.

So what's inside? Nonsense for the most part. "Does he need all that?" asks Gustavo, quite taken with the large transport bag and the bright colours in which the Super Blitz courier is dressed. But by then Frank's bank account is already empty, his face ashen and he can't answer. The rescue: a job as a courier, together with Carlos. But will that solve both their problems? Please make an educated guess!

The Teatro Lata has spared no effort in transforming this critique of consumerism, media and the times (directors: Michel Schröder, Gustavo Nanez, Angela Sanders, acting and music: Dominik Blumer and Gustavo Nanez) into well-founded, modern children's theatre. They have spoken to dozens of couriers and interviewed their detached bosses. Dreams die and bones break on stage. We are not in a fairy tale: This world is real and we're all fuelling it.

But for all its seriousness - the unscrupulous boss with the fat belly was immediately unmasked by the critic - the group just manages to create children's entertainment. It ends with a positive message beyond all apps and data streams. And Gustavo also enjoys the journalist bonus: After the hour-long play, he is allowed to get lost in the wings and do a few laps on a scooter in a courier outfit.

The enthusiasm bears fruit: three days later, we are treated to a Punch and Judy show we developed ourselves in our living room at home. If it hadn't been Sunday morning at half past six, we would certainly have applauded frenetically.

"Bon App" will be performed on 29 March at 5 pm and on 30 March at 2.30 pm at the Fabriktheater in Zurich.

Further information and tickets at teatrolata.ch.