Komachi
by Romulus Linney | directed by Raicheal Doohan
We start the evening by a peaceful river under a beautifully crafted tree, and the enchantment that is created in those first few moments is never broken. There were no weak links in this performance, the movement and timing was polished and accurate, the striking set, detailed costuming and makeup, and subtle lighting and music all worked effectively to enhance the performance without ever being separate or distracting. Everything about this piece was delicate, elegant and professional. Acrobatics and moments of humor heightened and eased the intensity in turn, creating a smooth and enchanting curve. The actors engaged strongly with each other and the script, and communicated powerfully, with great projection and clarity. The emotive messages of the piece were honored, even cherished, by the actors and the director so that overall, this piece was truly beautiful, and I would highly recommend it.
We start the evening by a peaceful river under a beautifully crafted tree, and the enchantment that is created in those first few moments is never broken. There were no weak links in this performance, the movement and timing was polished and accurate, the striking set, detailed costuming and makeup, and subtle lighting and music all worked effectively to enhance the performance without ever being separate or distracting. Everything about this piece was delicate, elegant and professional. Acrobatics and moments of humor heightened and eased the intensity in turn, creating a smooth and enchanting curve. The actors engaged strongly with each other and the script, and communicated powerfully, with great projection and clarity. The emotive messages of the piece were honored, even cherished, by the actors and the director so that overall, this piece was truly beautiful, and I would highly recommend it.
Existence
by Edward Bond | directed by Andrew Clarke
A
dark and haunting piece, this performance created a sinister atmosphere with
inconsistent success. Dealing with the practical issues of a play staged
entirely in the dark, the lighting was effective in creating the appropriate atmosphere
and in allowing us (mostly) to see some semblance of emotion on the actors’
faces. The piece was incredibly effective in making me feel wholly
uncomfortable, which has value, however the disjointed pacing and brief moments
of humor created a strange and occasionally dull ambiance. The power plays
throughout drove me to want the woman to fight, give up, and then just shoot
the crazy bastard. The stage-combat was well blocked, but I believe an
overexcited male lead led to a very real danger for the female lead, which made
me incredibly uncomfortable, and the cutesy coin-toss to start and hug to end
did little to ease the discomfort I felt about the actors physical
interactions. The emotion of the piece was effectively communicated, despite
the occasional substitution of volume in lieu of emotion on the part of the
male lead, but this did not hinder my overall engagement with, and interest in,
the performance.
The
Lost Babylon by Takeshi Kawamura | directed by Fern Wallingford
Laptop,
vodka, coffee; we start the piece by viewing an image of total loneliness. A
confusing context and a weak male lead led to an early disinterest in the piece.
The blocking was consistently unrealistic and ineffective, and the music was
often distracting. I couldn’t help but be struck by the irony of the line “It’s
all about not boring the viewer.” The moments of excitement, engagement and humor
were found in the conspiracy between soldier and writer, and in the strength of
the female lead, especially during her monologue, although I found the use of
media unnecessary, and would’ve loved to see the same monologue using a mirror
to interact with the younger sister, a true conflict of self while physically
looking at one’s self. Overall, this piece showcased the talents of the female
lead with a backdrop of strange set, ineffective blocking, and an irritating
use of media.
For more information on the pieces, and brilliant
photographs of the creative process courtesy of Sollective, please visit merelytobenormal.tumblr.com
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