The musical circus performance I HATE THAT THEY EAT TOO LOUD shows young people reflecting on the world around them. Small trivial things take up most of our day, but, for a teenager, ordinary and familiar things are often the root of conflict with those around us. It is hard to bear when someone near us is eating too loud, taking our things and clothes, listening to loud music or showing off in a silly way when strangers are around.

At the same time, the name of the performance indicates that we live in a rather wealthy society – if we have time to be annoyed by minor inconveniences, it means that we live in an environment where people’s basic needs are met. As soon as we encounter major life challenges, these tiny grievances are instantly forgotten and lose relevance.

“Take me seriously, I am not a kid anymore! My sister thinks she can boss me around because she’s older. My teacher doesn't like me either, just because I'm bad at math. But they don’t see the other things about me. I can jump. Real fast. Up and down, inside, outside, all around. Life just isn't fair. Some people get noticed more, they get more attention, while people with actual problems are always forgotten.”

The performance was developed as part of the project CirqueMusique Arts Laboratory. During creative workshops, young participants shared their worldview and their relationships with others and themselves. The answers showed both hopes for the world they would like to live in, and the things they see as injustices in the current one. 

By combining the participants’ opinions and circus elements developed at the workshops, dramatist Ance Muižniece created a story of how various people grow to accept themselves and the world. The road starts with the smallest circle (I as part of a family), leading to a medium circle (friends, schoolmates). It continues to the largest circle (society as a whole) and returns back to the individual (I) with a new understanding of oneself and the world.

The performance is made up of four pieces of music, created by composers Linda Leimane, Krists Auznieks, Platons Buravickis, and Santa Ratniece. They are performed and reflected in four scenes by five circus artists and five musicians.