The peculiarly titled student directed production “.play” is an entertaining and enlightening piece of work that comes out of nowhere.
The aim of this production was the integration, rather than just the addition, of technology to theater — creating a new work of art with fusion rather than dragging down an existing art form with bells and whistles. This production succeeded. Big time.
The whole show has a strong experimental, underground vibe to it.
You know you’re seeing a new work in progress from the introduction by the designer.
The first portion of the performance was a piece in which a dancer performed in front of a screen projecting a shadow, a shadow which gradually stops mimicking her and becomes itsown element.
Here technology and dance combined to make art, not just a dancer with a projection behind her.
The use of improvisation with Facebook statuses is a revelation in and of itself.
In various improvised scenarios, such as a police interview or a showing of “movie clips” at an awards ceremony, the material the performers draw on is taken directly from the audience’s Facebook accounts, a feature enabled when audience members log into Facebook upon entering the performance space.
There’s this surge of excitement when you realize that status you posted about Wheat Thins is now the subject of a crime melodrama unfolding in hysterics before you.
This connection with the audience draws you in as if this performance was designed for you. Your jokes contribute to the art unfolding before you.
Other skits involving new technology like the iPhone 4S’s Siri certainly do not fail to amuse.
Some skits were not ready for our preview, as the technology and coding required to create this experience is formidable, but even more of this unique performance should be ready for its upcoming performances on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. in the Bob Hope Theater (entrance by the Margot Jones Theater).
This is a performance unlike any other you will likely see this year, or in a long time.
It’s moving, it’s funny and it’s the start of something that has immense potential for growth. Do not miss this.
