Even though I could not get into the book and did not see the movie, I nevertheless feel confident saying that this play is the best of the 3 iterations of the story. The puppetry of the animals is mesmerizing and the staging, with most of the action taking place in a boat, is expertly conceived. Pi (the indefatigable Hiran Abeysekera), the sole survivor of a shipwreck, is forced to tell his harrowing story for (of all things) insurance purposes. The only way he can relive the traumatic reality is to spin a tale that places Richard Parker (a tiger) at the center. After quickly recapping the actual horrifying events towards the end of the play, everyone agrees that his tale is the better story.
The introductory scenes in India are perfunctory; you can feel the audience waiting with anticipation for the story to really begin. In the most confusing scene, Pi's family seems to not realize they signed up to travel on a cargo ship that lacks a restaurant, let alone vegetarian options. And the scenes in the hospital bring Pi back to reality and break the spell, not least because the actors in these scenes deliver stilted lines as if they are still in rehearsal. But the magic of the scenes with Pi and Richard Parker make up for everything else. Eight people are listed in the program as puppeteers for Richard Parker, and they alternately do an amazing job of endowing him with personality and life. *The Human Dream Project
By Admiral Grey Liz Oakley, Rachael Shane, Camille Cooper, Natthew Marvan, Nikki Calonge Outside In By Jenny Lai Becky Baumwoll, Nick Abeel Who’s Oklahoma Created/performed by Joseph Silovsky Sound Design, Catherine McRae A play that was born out of a YouTube hole that Van Hughes fell into when brainstorming ideas for a new project. Hughes and Nick Blaemire have concocted a unique and innovative show from a bizarre chapter in history. The play tells the story of the space race between Russia and the United States, focusing specifically on the Russian strategy of sending stray dogs into space. Hughes and Blaemire have done their research, but they also weave in an imagining of the Russian Chief Designer's inner struggle between beating the Americans into space and sending the dog Laika - who he comes to love - to circulate the Earth (knowing they do not yet have the technology to bring her home). The show feels like you've walked into an elaborate basement sound stage. Hughes and Blaemire are tireless - playing multiple human characters in different costumes, voicing countless dog characters (using puppets), and playing instruments while singing clever and funny original songs. The set was simple but versatile and effect; among their tools were a tripod with a camera off to the side (live streaming to the stage for when the characters were on TV), a science experiment diorama, an electric keyboard put to good use for all different sound effects, and of course, many dog puppets/stuffed animals.
This solo puppet performance from Kevin Augustine of Lone Wolf Tribe was haunting and mesmerizing. Each body part sits on a stand, waiting for it's turn in the spotlight. Augustine seamlessly moves between each with minutely controlled choreography; his own tendons and muscles flex and relax in order to make the body part puppet mimic real movement. Through his own careful movement, Augustine disappears and brings the limp and oversized foam body parts to life.
|
Archives
February 2024
Categories
All
|