«Uniform»
LAB Junges Theater Zürich

In ‘Uniform’, the 16 players move up and down a narrow gangway. Does that make it a fashion show? Maybe. But actually, it's about much bigger issues: conformity and individuality, social expectations and stereotyping – and how we dress every day, the role played by the fast fashion industry and what that means for us.

In the annual project of LAB Theater Zurich, the performers have shared stories about their favourite outfits, written texts about the looks of others, squeezed themselves into a pair of trousers, and taken on the perspective of an undershirt.

The result is a personal, playful, sometimes funny and sometimes sad show about the uniforms of our everyday lives – with a possibly optimistic ending in the shadow of mountains of clothes.

Information on accessibility and language

• Stepless Access

• Language: Performed in Swiss German, with some singing in English. You will receive a glossary of youth slang and the song lyrics in English and German from the ushers.

• Early entry: Early entry is available 15 minutes before the start for visitors with accessibility needs. Meet at the entrance (North Wing entrance opposite the glass door to Stall6).

• Content Notes: The play addresses lookism (discrimination based on appearance, e.g. on the basis of clothing).

• Lighting: The space is mainly lit by a snake-shaped LED light that runs along the ceiling through the room and changes colour several times. In some scenes, there is bright white ambient lighting. The audience area and pathways remain clearly visible throughout.

• Sound: In one scene, various voices and sounds gradually build up and overlap, creating a sequence of discordant notes. Several scenes feature loud pop music. Generally, there are several sounds with bass lines (not audible). In some scenes, it becomes very quiet. In various scenes there is live singing (choir and solo), and in one scene a band plays on stage (bass guitar and vocals). The band will walk past the audience on the left-hand side of the room, starting from the entrance to the north wing. The band stops and plays in the space between the left-hand wall, the audience and the stage. In the final scenes, clattering and rustling props are moved across the stage.

• Other sensory stimuli: Individual performers will occasionally move across the stage on longboards and roller skates. During the entrance, a small assistance dog will be on stage; it will leave once the audience has settled in.

• Audience and interaction: The audience is arranged in a U-shape around a long stage, a sort of catwalk. In seats at the lower left end of the U-shape, the sound is louder during certain scenes (band). In some scenes, the performers make eye contact with the audience. No reaction is expected.

• Beanbag seating: You will have the best view from the seats in the centre of the front row. There is also the option of leaning beanbags against the right-hand wall if you do not wish to use a free-standing beanbag.

• Wheelchair spaces: You will have the best view to the right of the seats on the right-hand side of the U-shape. It is also possible to arrange wheelchair spaces in other areas.

• Admission and start: Individual performers invite members of the audience to brief conversations about clothing at their seats. Participation is voluntary and may be declined at any time.

• As the production is still being rehearsed, more information on the accessibility of the show will be released closer to the premiere date.