Dokodo Cultural Exchange Fair [CLOSED TO NON-ANTERIANS]

[Astariax]

THE DOKODO CULTURAL EXCHANGE FAIR


The following was posted on the Anterian RMB, but is a reminder to all participants. Any questions or concerns about the following two paragraphs should be brought to Astariax or Tsokeiku, who are the main hosts.

Greetings, nations of Anteria! In an extravagant show of our cultural ability, the Dokodo Union will be hosting the first annual Cultural Exchange Fair! Originally, this was intended to be solely for members of the Dokodo Union, but we have decided to offer up the ability for any nation in the region to create a pavilion of their own in the Tsokeikan capital of Dokodo, where the fair would take place. We expect this fair to be an opportunity to gain knowledge of the cultures of all the corners of the world we live in. Signup is simple; send a telegram to any member of the Dokodo Union and your appeal will be put through each member before approval.

We'll outline the fair itself in a brief overview. Each participating nation will get an area of the fair grounds to create the most breathtaking demonstration of your nation’s prowess imaginable. There are no rules regarding what can and cannot be made into a display, so your architects, engineers and scientists have the floor entirely to themselves. However, we ask that you not include any volatile objects capable of obliterating the entire city, for safety purposes The fair will last around a week depending on the amount of nations participating. A meeting will be held with dignitaries belonging to each participant, discussing their pavilions.

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We extend our invitation to participate to all the nations of Anteria. Please, give us a brief message naming your intent to participate. Once we are all organized, the fair will begin! Entries will be taken any time between the time of posting and Saturday, the 13th of February.

[Nouveaurich]

Dear Esteemed Member States of the Dokodo Union,

I am writing to express Nouveaurich's interest in participating in the Dokodo Union's first annual Cultural Exchange Fair.

The Nouveauriche delegation is planned to consist of three pavilion staff from Cultural and Foreign Affairs offices, two technicians for our equipment, six cultural performers, two guardians for younger members of our delegation, plus myself. Minister for Foreign Affairs Kate Oswin is also looking forward to attend, provided that the fair does not conflict with the schedule of the Albith Conference.

Please note that two of the six cultural performers are minors, so please understand their guardians' presence at the fair. Kindly let me know of any legal restriction on child performers in the Dokodo Union so that we can plan accordingly.

Kindly let us know of the details of the event so that we can prepare accordingly. Of specific interest are:
- How many aspects of each nation's culture can be placed on display? We currently plan on focusing on Nouveaurich's performing arts but we also want to include some exhibits on our pavilion on Nouveauriche cinema and literature.
- Will there be a separate theatre for cultural shows?
- Can private enterprises (example theatre companies) advertise in our pavilion/cultural shows?

I would like to thank the Dokodo Union for inviting us to this splendid event. May this fair improve cultural and economic ties between our nations.

Warm regards,
Giancarlo Andrade
Minister for Culture and Sports
The Federation of Nouveaurich

[Gelielandt]

You hear shouting and loud insults in what seems like german right before the appointed meeting with the Gelielandtian diplomats. Remembering the previous hostillity between your nations, security have doubled just for this occation. When you open the door to the waiting room, you see six people, each dressed more luxious than the last and all wearing different colours. They are all also too busy trying to persuade security guards to let them bring their rapiers into your meeting room to notice you at first, but a somewhat familliar looking man notices you and starts addressing you

"Ah, there you are! I am sure you remember me, count Albert von Grünwaldt from the federation of Ottosgardt-Grünwaldt-Löfvenstahl! No? Well I suppose it's been a while since we decided to withdraw from the Quadrumvirate to secure our rightful place as archdutchies of Gelielandt!"

He starts aproaching and gets stopped by the security guard, who again points at his rapier

"Oh please, you think I would kill an Astariaxi official? They once declared war on us for pointing out their... Unproven legitimacy as a nation. What do you think they would do if we murdered a high ranking official? We, or at least I, am not that stupid.
Oh and regarding the nice fair you were planning, we in the OGL thought it would be very educative to the world if we presented the contemporary, gelielandtian, political environment as a sociological reflectation! I mean who wouldn't of how economicly and politicly stable OGL were as opposed the the failiors of the Bundesrepublik?"

At this time, the other delegates had managed to make their way nearer and first to speak was a beutiful man in an even more beutiful hussar-style, grey pelisse

"I, count Friedrich von Annsback, representative of Dutchess Viktoria von Gelia-Reicklandt, the RIGHTFUL queen of Gelielandt, came to persuade you to include a lecture on the ancient history of Gelielandt and the glory of our rich culture before SOMEONE decided to destroy everything!"

His passive-agresdive manner made your trusty guards pull him away enough to allow the others enough room. Exept the envoy from von Schwartzenguldt, they were slightly less richly clad

"While we are on the subject, why not all of the culture that made Gelielandt great! Like Südlandter food - it's the birthplace of pizza and still make the best pizza in Anteria AND have the most well-organised delivery buissness." "And Hochlandter music, have you herd the opera "Aftonqväde" by the illustrious von Wallandtsheim?" "And the entire virtous nobillity - the foundation of beuty in art!" "And of course the advantages of slave labour" Adds the von Schvartzenguldt envoy while accidently dropping a purse of coins into your pocket.

Lastly a shady character that had previously gone unnoticed due to his lack of fabulous clothing, but when he stood up and removed his tattered cloak and old-fashioned hat (like two years old, yeehz!), everyone gasped at his torn, but still clear military uniform. It was obvious. He was the legendary Karl von Eisenfeist, the last duke of the von Eisenfeist family, thought dead in the war. He spoke:

"Even if we don't want to remember, we should talk about the war, the victims it took, the virtues it broke and the lesson to learn all lands who value their independence. I do not blame the astariaxi - even though I was captured by them. Luckily I escaped and the former administration seems to have deleated all records of my capture. I came here, risking re-capture, to advocate for the importance of this fair. In there times, Gelielandt must face and welcome the world, as more and more nation fall to democratic populism it is more important than ever to restore Gelielandts reputation as a stable, trade-friendly nation and show that we learned from the war not to engage in other countries politics, but respect the choice they made - regardless of their form of state. Now tell me, is Dalerick III still the king of Gelielandt?" no answer "You didn't start a civil war right?!" embarased looks on all of the envoys' faces "Hmm, it seems that it is time for me to return home, how is my family doing?" the tears told him more than words

(Sorry for the super-long post...)

[Tsokeiku]

-snip-

<3

[Gelielandt]

-snip-

<3

...? I know I didn't check the spelling, but... ?!?

[Tsokeiku]

<3

...? I know I didn't check the spelling, but... ?!?

Nothing, I'm just glad to have you on board!

[Astariax]

OOC: All people who have posted so far are now allowed to participate in the fair when it is to begin.



"We promise to not blow your display up like we did with your pitif- I mean, wondrous country," the Astariaxi delegate said warily. He was clad in a Prussian blue suit with a sabre at his side. "Armano di Agnelli. I am the Astariaxi delegate for this little affair. I served in our military like most of my brethren at the time... it was an honor to fight against you, no matter how bad the conditions were at the time. May I have the honor of knowing your names... this time without the bickering?" He smiled, a bit more relaxed but still on edge. "Guards, they may have their weapons... mutual trust. Besides, it's not like any of the Councillors are here. At least, not in this room right now. I believe they were arriving once we welcomed the delegation from Gelielandt. The Speaker, was it?"

[Prybourne]

Sure, why not.

[Ferdania]

Hi all wonderful nations. Ferdanias Participation will consist of 5 music performers with dance and choreography, a street march for world peace, including a speech form the director of the Ferdanian Red Cross, and a speech from the vice president of Ferdania. Food and cultural stals will be up and running selling ferdanian cuisine, clothing and cultural items. officers from the ferdanian federal police and presidential protection division will be present at the event to assist with security and a peaceful enjoyable proceedings for all in attendance, there is expected to be roughly 12,000 ferdanians attending the event, many flying out from cities throughout ferdania.. Best of wishes and may it be a wonderful time.....

Minister For Foreign Affairs:
David Klosar

[Soyedinennyye Russatrova Respubliki]

Da

[Astariax]

Accepted.

[Astariax]

The fair is now open!



---------------------------------


The Astariaxi pavilion was meant to showcase the martial and scientific traditions of Astariax. A massive banner with the Astariaxi eagle emblazoned upon it hung over an equally massive pole, with a globe of Anteria with Astariax highlighted in red hanging from what appeared to be thin air. In reality it was suspended by a strong, invisible thread developed by Astariaxi technicians for commercial use. Around the flagpole were hundreds of scientists and military officers, each showcasing their own work. Everything from new breakthroughs in the field of artificial intelligence and traversing the stars was showcased. The attaché from the military kept the people entertained with massive fireworks shows and marching techniques. The Astariaxi soldiers seemed to glide throughout the pavilion, dazzling the spectators as the other visitors watched in awe as the Astariaxi scientists and entrepreneurs demonstrated their own feats of engineering and science. Drones in the shape of the flag of the Dokodo Union floated overhead. They would disperse and regroup in the sky, catching the eye of anyone who happened to look up. The Astariaxi staff at the event were clearly enthused at the opportunity to show the world what they were capable of, and for many, their demonstrations did not disappoint.


Throughout the day, the Speaker of Astariax would arrive at the pavilion and give speeches and answer questions about the Council of Seven's plans for the country. His interviews and speeches were, for once, not fraught with propaganda and in fact restored a much-needed confidence in the Republic's relationship with the public and the region at large.

[Nouveaurich]

The Nouveaurich Pavilion

Part One: The Guide



“Nouveaurich? That tiny thing can’t possibly be a nation, can it? Why does it have its own pavilion?” The tourist took off his sunglasses and squinted at the pavilion entrance.

“Greetings, guest,” a squat blue-domed droid, shaped not unlike a garbage can, rolled on its tiny metal wheels over to the Hawaiian shirt-clad tourist who yelped as the droid accidentally ran over his foot.

The tourist really shouldn’t have worn sandals today.

“Welcome to the Nouveaurich pavilion!” The robot’s voice was small and high-pitched, like that of an excitable child.

A friendly smile on the droid’s 15-inch screen drove all thoughts of thrashing the robot from the tourist’s mind.

“My name is Cicero, but you can call me C for short,” the droid said. “What’s your name?” The droid moved forward, once more threatening the tourist’s toes.

“Hey watch it!” The tourist leapt out of the way of C’s wheels.

“Nice to meet you, Heywatchit!” the droid squeaked. “Follow me, we have food!”



Part Two: The Food

“My name isn’t Heywatchit, you know?”

“I’m sorry. I’m not yet programmed to answer that. Would you like to know more about The Federation of Nouveaurich?”

The tourist sighed. “I guess.”

“I’m sorry. I’m not yet programmed to answer that. Would you like -”

This bot was getting on the tourists nerves. That made the tourist hungry. In fact, a lot of things made the tourist hungry.

“Didn’t you mention food?”

“The Nouveaurich pavilion street food market is right this way, Heywatchit. Follow me!”

The pair turned a corner and were greeted by a mob of people. Orders were yelled in a cacophony of languages, flames danced on woks, and a throng of people rushed past the tourist to join the human mass.

“Nouveaurich cuisine is mainly influenced by Zhenganese cuisine, but also has influences from all over Anteria, due to Nouveaurich’s past as a trading port and long history of being an international city of commerce. From the roadside stalls to the most upscale restaurants, Nouveaurich provides an unlimited variety of food in every class. Complex combinations and international gourmet expertise have given Nouveaurich the reputable labels of ‘Gourmet Paradise’ and ‘World’s Fair of Food’.”

“Never mind, I don’t think I’m that hungry.”

“Hungry?” C’s midsection swung open and a small cannon propped up. “Here, have some dim sum!”

The tourist didn’t know what hit him, only that it was small, scalding hot, and nearly hit him in the eye.

“How did you find the shumai?” C chirped.

The tourist regarded the dumpling, which had fallen on the floor. He shrugged his shoulders, bent down to pick it up, and swallowed it whole.

“Not half bad.” The tourist chewed. “It’s actually pretty good.”

[Nouveaurich]

Part Three: The Lift



“What are we doing in an elevator?” the tourist asked his robotic companion.

“Going up, silly.”

“Doors closing,” a cool female voice came through lift speakers. The tourist wondered if C only brought him here because the robot had a crush on the lift.

The doors shut with a satisfying click, sealing them in awkward hermetic silence.

“Isn’t the pavilion like three or four storeys tops? Why so many buttons?”

“Because it’s an elevator.”

C nudged one of the buttons with his short stubby arms.

“108th floor?” the tourist asked.

“Bigger on the inside,” C said.

“Going up,” the disembodied female voice said without emotion. The tourist wondered what C saw in her.

C merely ignored the tourist’s bewilderment as the numbers on the dial shot up. The tourist had to give the Nouveauriche engineers credit - the ride was smooth and it did not at all feel like he was going eight to ten floors a second.

“Approaching skyscraper ceiling,” the disembodied voice said soothingly, and the tourist almost didn’t catch the gravity of the rest of the message, “preparing to exceed upper limit.”

“What do you mean upper lim-”

The walls disappeared as the lift was flooded in brilliant sunlight streaming past drifting clouds - clouds, which to the tourist’s horror, he was eye level with.

“Er…C,” the tourist’s voice was shaky, “did I ever mention that I have a fear of heights?”

“No!” the droid answered cheerfully. “But the Internet says that if you suffer from acrophobia, one trick is to divert your eyes to something that doesn’t remind you that you’re more than a hundred floors up.”

“And what might that be?” The tourist’s stomach was churning.

“Remember that you’re standing on a solid floor?”

The tourist looked down.

And soon regretted it.

The floor had disappeared too.



It was at this point that the tourist’s digestive system, paralyzed by fear, decided to expel its contents upward.

Sick flew gloriously from the tourist’s mouth into the waiting abyss. In what seemed like an eternity, all the tourist could imagine was his vomit landing a hundred floors below on a hapless pedestrian’s head, until the sick was caught in mid-air by what seemed like an invisible barrier level with his feet.

“What did you do that for?” C asked, horrified. “That display panel cost thousands of Quasas!”

“Why did you tell me to look down?”

“It’s a display, see? A television.”

So it was all fake. This wasn’t a lift. This was a gallery, and a virtual one at that.

“Well, I’m not paying for that.”

“Yes, you are. We already have your credit card information. At least, the vendor from the food fair does.”

The tourist felt like losing his lunch a second time.

“Just kidding!” C chirped, rolling over to the mess. In three looping passes, C vacuumed the display and even started shining it in a jerky rocking motion. “You should have seen your face.”

“I don’t think I want to go on this tour anymore.”

“Sure you do!”

“I want to direct your eyes to the city-state of Nouveaurich,” C said solemnly, rotating on his wheels as if to point at their artificial surroundings. “This tiny piece of land on the eastern end of Mortavia is home to more than ten million Nouveaurich. Can you count how many buildings there are? The Nouveaurich will not fool you into thinking that they have most number of skyscrapers - their land is too small for that - but Nouveaurich does have one of densest skylines in all of Anteria. Space is limited, and so for the Nouveaurich, there is no place to go but up. Now, focus on a single building. Count how many windows there are. Each window houses one family. Each is not just a window to the outside world but a window into the everyday lives of the Nouveaurich.”

The tourist gazed at the towers of glass and steel reaching out to touch the sky. Each skyscraper was dotted with glimmering lights from windows, illuminated as if not by electricity but by the fire of their occupants’ wills. From the elevator’s artificial vantage point, the tourist could see all of Nouveaurich. In that moment, the tourist felt a connection to the people of the city-state. For him, Nouveaurich was no longer simply a city on the tip of Mortavia. He saw the spirit of humanity pushing the boundaries of achievement in spite of the limitations of space. It felt like seeing bottled infinity.

Part Four: The Other Guide

“Thank you, C,” the tourist said as the lift doors reopened and they reemerged into the crowded Nouveaurich pavilion. The tourist wondered if this was how it was like to live in the city-state: scenes of emotional ordered chaos punctuated by brief cathartic moments of peace.

“It was my pleasure, Heywatchit.”

He looked at the people. Wait…something was off here.

“C?”

“Yes?”

“How many are you?”

“I am unique,” C said simply.

“No, I don’t mean you,” the tourist said. “I mean,” the tourist began spinning comically, mimicking the droid’s movement, “guide-robots.” That sounded almost right. “How many guide-robots does this pavilion have?”

“I am unique,” C said. “I am a prototype tourist-guide robot. Born on November 7, 2014.”

Born…manufactured?

“I am an only child,” C said. The tourist could almost sense a twinge of loneliness in C’s robotic voice.

“Why aren’t there more of you?” the tourist asked.

“I never thought of that,” C said. “Let me ask my sister.”

Sister? Didn’t C say he was an only child?

“Sister!” C squealed.

“Hey there!” a young woman with large eyes materialized instantaneously before the tourist. The startled tourist couldn’t believe that the Nouveaurich had already invented teleportation.

The woman turned green for a split second before turning blue then returning to normal. The tourist only then noticed the stream of light that was projecting.

“Oh. Another trick. I should have known.”

“I am SALLI, Social Artifical Life-Like Interactor,” the projected woman said.



SALLI cocked her head to one side and said, “The reason why you’re scrambling your head over where you’ve met me before is because I default to whatever appearance you will most likely be comfortable with, in this case, Kate Oswin, the Nouveauriche Minister for Foreign Affairs.”

“My sensors tell me you’re wondering why there’s only one of C,” SALLI said.

“That’s SALLI’s fancy term for eavesdropping,” C said.

“I was built off of data collected from C’s initial interactions. C is highly effective, but his physical parts are costly too.”

“I’m valuable!” C chirped.

“I was generated as a cost-effective balance. My computing core is centralised and my visage, or shall I say visages, are simply projected via any AV output. I am currently in twenty places at once within the Nouveaurich pavilion, guiding countless visitors at once.”

“SALLI! SALLI! Show Heywatchit how you look if the guest is a woman,” C said excitedly.

“Oh, alright,” SALLI said smilingly, as if this was something C frequently requested.

SALLI rematerialised as a tall young man in a suit and bow tie.

“Buongiorno, come stai?” the man said with a formal bow. “I have taken the form of Giancarlo Andrade, the Nouveauriche Minister for Culture and Sport.”

The tourist was taken aback.

“Aside from programming Giancarlo’s La Medici heritage, my developers even included Giancarlo’s singing ability from his youth as an operatic tenor.”



A microphone materialised in SALLI’s hand and Giancarlo Andrade’s image broke into a lively rendition of O Sole Mio.

Till the next time: Nouveauriche Performances in the Dokodo Fair Theatre

[Gelielandt]

It would be hard to pass by the Gelielandtian fair location without staring at it, for there were a huge stage adorned with marble statues representing various deities, heroes and heraldic animals. Above the stage was a large map of Gelielandt and it's dutchies, counties and cities so detailed and with so many different names scribbled all over it, that it was essentially imposible to make any sense out of it. On the stage was a man clad in gray hussar uniform with red details who were finishing a long tale of early Gelielandtian history, when the first of the von Gelian kings Alberecht von Gelia first came to the four countries Hochlandt, Südenlandt, Reicklandt and Ostlandt (which in turn consisted of several small dutchies) as an exile from an empire who nobody remembers the name of, and united the four countries of Gelielandt.

Next up was one of the most popular hochlandter operas: "List undt Loben seit alles ist verloren" by Filip von Bergenstadt. In short, it is about an unmarried count (Siegismundt) who falls in love with Schönlindta, daughter of an old, neighboring count (Allfriedt). But she is to be married to another count (Johann) who she doesn't love, so she goes to her childhood friend, the Archdutchess of Hochlandt, who is in love with Johann, and ask for advice. They come up with a plan, that the Archdutchess and Schönlindta will dress out to each other at the wedding ceremony so that the Archdutchess can marry Johann and Schönlindta is free to marry Siegismundt. Meanwhile, Siegismundt has sent a letter to Schönlindta, warning her that he will come to her castle dressed as Johann so her father would let him in, but his servant drops the letter and is too afraid to tell Siegismundt. When Siegismundt (dressed as Johann) arrives at Schönlindtas castle, he meets the real Johann outside, who challeges him to a duel, as his identity is in peril. Siegismundt wins the duel and Johann is mortaly wounded. Siegismundt then sings his famous aria "Ach, meine sündens trinck sindt schwer, aber vor liebe trincke ich den gantze meer" and proceeds into the castle. Siegismundt believes that he marries Schönlindta, but it is the Archdutchess in disguise. After the vows are taken, the dying Johann enters and calls Siegismundt out as an imposter and Siegismundt reveals himself triumfantly, but then The Archdutchess and Schönlindta reveals their disguise and they all (Siegismundt, Johann, Allfried, Schönlindta and the Archdutchess) sing a quintette cursing fate and deception. Siegismundt and the Archdutchess begins to argue that the marriage is unvalid, since they both didn't know who they married, but then Fricka, the goddess of marriage and protector of all vows apears and tells them that once the vows are taken, they are sacred until death. So the Archdutchess decides to comit suicide, so that Siegismundt and Schönlindta may marry each other, and follows Fricka to heaven together with Johann.

After the opera came a speech by the Duke of Grünwaldt regarding the filosofical degeneration in the contemprary political landscape with the unsuccessful, democratic government in post-war Gelielandt as an example (most of the audience went to buy pizza from the built-in pizzeria in the stage as the speech was frankly boring).

Then there was a long interview with representatives of the various artistic guilds of Gelielandt, with all of them showing their mastery of that craft, with a near endless stream of example art and fashion to show.

Lastly, the richest-looking people in the audience were asked what they thought was the best with Gelielandt. 11 out of the 12 asked answered "The pizza".

[Astariax]

Part 2: Palazzo del Musiqua



Off to the side of the main Astariaxi pavilion was a modest building meant to represent the Astariaxi style of music. Inside of it, violins, cellos and flutes pierced the air with a mesmerizing song. There were no vocals, it was not customary in Astariax to include vocals in songs. The music had an uplifting style, the musicians clad in traditional Astariaxi garb. The clothes were very dissimilar to that of other members of the region; they were clad from head to toe in a sort of sleeveless tunic. They wore what appeared to be leggings, despite the musicians being of both genders. When asked about this, they responded with very little emotion in Astariaxi, calling the leggings "an important part of Astariaxi culture" and called the poor tourist who asked them an "uncultured cur," the language in stark comparison to their seemingly indifferent voices. These musicians made it clear that the Astariaxi were an odd folk, but with some odd charm to them.

[Hofflandian Union]

Part one: The entryway

The international reputation of the Hofflandian Union tends to be fairly negative, being seen as a country full of humorless obese alcoholics who drive around in obnoxious cars making fun of others. You would not be able to tell that from the entrance to the Union's expo center, you come across a huge gateway, navy blue and gold with stars at the to of it's arched top. As you walk in a man in a very expensive suit walks up to you, smiles saying "Welcome to the Hofflandian Union Culture Expo fairgrounds, please enjoy your stay!", he hands you a vibrantly colored cocktail and guides you into a cement colored stadium. The first room you enter into is clearly meant to be a visitor center, with flags the Union and its many departments and bureaus. The well dressed man nods and walks back to the entrance "Feel free to enjoy the game before you go see the other countries." he tells you before leaving through the door.

Part two: The game
As you turn back to the back of the room a rather obese lady walks up to you looking at a tablet, she is in a stunning blue and green jersey, you immediately recognize it as the jersey of the Hofflandian Union Merchants, that famous soccer team that won the Coupe de Anteria. She she tells you in a very odd accent "Come with me if you would like to continue the tour.", guides you through another set of hallways and doors to the stadium's inner bowl. Thousands of cheering fans were here, watching what seems to be a skirmish between the Union's Merchant's 1st and 2nd strings. "Please have a seat in row 47 in seat 5, enjoy your stay!" she goes before leaving you in the same fashion as the gentlemen before her. You find and take your seat, as the Merchants' dynamic duo, forwards Hansel Fredleman and Gulev Jedorav, speed through the other teams defense and shoot a sinker into the upper right corner causing the fans to go into a frenzy. You join them as time starts flying, you calm down as the 1st half comes to an end and halftime starts, the staff on the field start setting up a speaking podium of some kind, and a man in a well put together outfit comes out to the stage.......

Part three coming soon

[Astariax]

Part 3: Cibum et Potum


A massive dining hall was located in the main Astariaxi pavilion. Tables upon tables made entirely of ornate wood were strewn about, with even more impressive chairs seated at each table. Set out at the center of the room was a large kitchen, where dozens of chefs and bartenders prepared Astariaxi delicacies for the crowds of visitors. Lentium were a fan favourite. Lentium are small, round pastries filled with cream and jams made of fruit originating from the fields of Astariax. Nowadays, due to rampant pollution, the fruit are harvested en masse from a designated area in a very unnatural manner... the tourists, however, do not need to know that fact. Beyond the lentium, another favourite was an aubergine salad. Olive oil and strawberries coupled surprisingly well with diced aubergines and romaine lettuce, leaving a tangy yet somehow sweet taste in the mouths of all those who dared taste it. Very little meat is consumed in Astariax, but one of the few dishes served that included meat used it to great effect. A dish called saltissebouche was served to any tourists asking for meat. It was veal of the highest quality garnished with basil, marinated in vintage wine. Despite being deemed delicious by many visitors to the pavilion, very few native Astariaxis could be seen eating saltissebouche, and most who did nearly immediately changed their minds about the dish. It was clearly included to pander to the tastes of the many foreigners at the fair.


Astariaxi cuisine was very different to that of other countries, but had an unusual charm. Very few Astariaxi restaurants exist outside of the country, and very rarely do foreigners eat like real Astariaxis. This was a rare occasion for food lovers, and even then, changes were made for foreign palates. Astariaxi mistrust of foreigners appears to extend even to their food... but they knew how to make it taste just right.

[Nouveaurich]

Nouveaurich's Human Machines
Review by Elizabeth Snufflebottom

It is often said that the Nouveaurich have neither tradition nor culture, and while Le Cirque Nouveau’s performance at the Dokodo Union Cultural Exchange Fair proved that the former is true, it is undeniable that Nouveaurich has culture, though not exactly rooted in tradition.

Nouveaurich’s delegation of performers to this year’s fair is Le Cirque Nouveau, an acrobatic troupe performing a show uncreatively entitled “Nouveaurich”, named after the small nation. Le Cirque Nouveau was founded by former stage illusionist Vincent Shepard and former gymnast Svetlana Moreau. While celebrity eluded Shepard in his days as a magician, Moreau had her fair share of fame, and later an arguably unfair share of infamy.

Depending on who you ask, Svetlana Moreau is best known for either one of two things: 1) her physics-bending tumbles and flips; or 2) her doping scandal. Whether or not she would have achieved so much without performance enhancing substances is pure speculation, but one cannot deny her determination and drive to win. While most gymnasts are praised for their effortless grace - most notably Moreau’s contemporary and Nouveaurich’s first gold medalist, Natalia Kwok, was renowned for her sprezzatura - Moreau’s powerful style made no effort to conceal how hard she pushed her body to its limits.

From the opening act, Moreau’s influence on Le Cirque Nouveau is obvious.

A voice-over needlessly narrates that Nouveaurich’s early history as a colony was marred by violent revolt as a quartet of performers, two men and two women, run through choreography on stage that is too brutal for a dance but too graceful for a fight. To say that they pulled no punches is no idiom - in the closing moments of this act, when one of the men threw the other to the ground, it was only the latter’s agile roll that ensured that there was no lasting damage.

While some members of the audience are entertained - probably those who expected a wuxia martial arts performance - this reviewer thinks that this shameless excuse for a dance has no place outside of the boxing ring or the octagon.

The narration segues to Nouveaurich’s growth years, which are presented creatively, if uncharacteristically effortlessly, by draping a white curtain before the dancers as spotlights switch on at different angles to cast multiple shadows per performer, filling the stage with avatars of the Nouveaurich people, all played by the same four dancers.

The next portion covers Nouveaurich’s overpopulation problem. One of the performers enters a phone-booth-shaped glass cubicle as the narration discusses how space is a premium in the city. The glass box is then compressed via a series of hinges, forcing the performer inside to adjust to its decreasing size. The audience grimaces as she seemingly painfully twists her body into unnatural shapes while the glass panels press against her. The narration talks about how Nouveaurich works around these spatial limitations using innovative solutions and a cooperative populace. Soon the performer is contorted into a square box whose edges are barely longer than her calf. Before the audience can mentally absorb this, another performer comes along and as the narration says, “The Nouveaurich know how to share,” she opens the box’s lid and squeezes in with her colleague.

The curtain closes for a brief moment as the voice-over narrates, “As towers reached to the heavens in Nouveaurich, its citizens soon yearned for the stars.” The curtain reopens and two stips of silk descend from the ceiling. As the narration goes over the various firsts of the Nouveaurich space program, two performers grip the silks and hoist themselves into the air. They appear to defy gravity with acrobatic movements that are simultaneously powerful and graceful. The voice-over talks about the importance of international cooperation and the flag of the Dokodo Union is projected behind the acrobats. The woman lets go of her strap and is caught by the male performer by her ankle but not before she falls several feet in the direction of the floor, eliciting gasps from the crowd. Moments later, this is reversed, with the man suspended by his partner as they twirl around.

The Nouveaurich pavilion may be filled to the brim with technology allowing for automation and rudimentary artificial intelligence, but Le Cirque Nouveau’s performance is decidedly low-tech, with the acrobats relying on nothing but their own bodies. Credit is due to Le Cirque Nouveau for their crisp precise movements that even rivals that of lifeless automatons.

While some may find this pushing of physical limits gauche and unappealing, Le Cirque Nouveau’s performance is oddly fitting as a representative of a tiny nation that never ceases to challenge its limitations.

It may be a while until the Nouveaurich can claim to have a rich tradition of culture, but one certainly cannot fault them for lack of trying.