November Reviews
A Propos of the Wet Snow and Despair at the Phoenix
International director/actor and founder of the International Theater
Ensemble Oleg Liptsin presented A Propos of the Wet Snow based on
Dostoevsky's Notes from the Underground (1864) at the San Francisco
Phoenix Theatre and in Berkeley at the Metal Shop Theater. The piece,
in which Liptsin plays multi roles, delves into the workings of the
modern tormented Russian soul that Dostoevsky depicts so powerfully in
his work.
We follow the protagonist's introspective probing into his own tortured
soul a propos a multitude of philosophical, social, and political ideas
that he cynically decries. As he sarcastically rambles on, the
protagonist undergoes a gambit of emotions-from envy to anger, pride,
humiliation, self pity, torment and more, at times inaudibly mumbling
these feelings to himself and at others mounting his voice to loud
screams that evoke signs of insanity. As he tears apart these ideas and
himself, he gradually enters into a state of nihilism. At one point, in
one of the most moving parts of the piece, he confronts Liza, a young
prostitute, with images of her future deterioration and death as she
grows older. After despondently throwing out Liza, who has provided him
with sex and affection, his despair is silenced as in a gesture of
tender empathy she places her hand on his shoulder.
The content of this highly imaginative and soul stirring staging is
enriched by the creative experimental technology of Kevin Quennesson
whose futuristic-like projections of the protagonist interacting with
other characters render the ensemble dramatically compelling as well as
innovative. This is particularly visible in the multiple moving images
of the tortured hero combating with his soul in Part Two.
The role of Liza is sensitively played by Ai-Cheng Ho, a Jacques Lecoq
trained movement theatre artist who studied acting with Liptsin and who
moves expressively and with grace. Sergey Levchin is responsible for
the translation from Russian and the camera.
The work was presented under the auspices of the International Theater
Ensemble, an experimental 21st century theater that combines digital
and interactive technologies that merge Russian and European artistic
ideas with American management to produce works in several countries.
Wet Snow performs on weekends through Nov, 3 at the Metal Shop Theater
at 2425 Stuart St. in Berkeley. For information call 415-440-6163.
Confronting Reality Through the Imagination at Berkeley Rep
Haruki Murakami's After the Quake at Berkeley Rep, adapted and directed
by Frank Galati based on the stories in the author's work, tackles
facing the disasters brought on by earthquakes in Japan, particularly
that in Kobe in 1995. It aso weaves in a love/friendship relationship
between three friends and a child's curiosity about bears and frogs
derived from in the author's stories Honey Pie and Superfrog Saves
Tokyo. Little Sala ( Madison Logan V. Phan), who can't sleep because
she is terrorized by Earthquake Man, is told a bear story by Junpei, a
friend of her mother Sayoko (Jennifer Shin), to assuage little Sala's
fear. This story, as well as the play' action, often narrated by the
characters, is followed by the dramatization of Superfrog that brings
fantasy into the piece when the giant six foot frog (Keong Sim) engages
a business executive to help him save Tokyo from undergoing another
earthquake. Intertwined with this is the love intrigue of two of the
friends, Sayoko and Takasuki (Paul H. Juhn), who end up marrying and
eventually divorcing, freeing Sayoko to marry Junpei, whom she has
always loved. As for little Sala, she is consoled and taught to better
face life's disasters through the creative imagination of the
storyteller.
Murakami's stories not only calm a child who is too fearful to sleep.
They also bring wisdom coated with fantasy to readers and spectators
concerning the need to fight off oncoming diaster through the
imagination. As we watch Frog convince the buiness executive to stave
off an earthquake from hiting Tokyo, we, too, believe in the giant
frog's power to succeed. And as we watch Junpei lose Sayoko to his best
friend and then win her back after the couple divorce, we learn that
with patience true love can resurface.
Storytelling is fused to dramatization by the entire cast through the
use of highly simple staging of movement, blocking, narration, and
dialogue. Minimalist sets and props place more emphasis on the dramatic
interest. Costume design is also kept simple (Frog wears everyday
clothes and green gloves). The cello is subtly played throughout by
Jason McDermott while Jeff Witchmann assumes the Koto.
The quiet simplicity of this ensemble lends magic to the imaginative
and poetic content of this engaging storyteller's tales of vanquishing
the dragons of disaster.
After the Quake plays through Nov. 25. For information call
510-647-2949 or berkeleyrep.org.
Grapes of Wrath and Labor Unrest at the Sixth St. Playhouse
A river of water where characters go swimming on stage?! A rain storm
falling from the heavens while enacting death, birth and a struggle to
survive?! Yes! It all can be witnessed in the play, The Grapes of
Wrath, featured at the Sixth Street Playhouse.
Set in the 1930's, this American classic of a family's story of pride,
endurance, hope and love can easily be applied to what our country is
experiencing with today's immigration issues. It evokes thought and
discussion concerning our migrant workers
Brilliant direction by Elizabeth Craven, startling sets by David Lear
and energetic acting by a group of local talented performers! Powerful
delivery of monologues, smooth transitions between scenes (A Craven
Specialty), rapid pacing and an honest depiction of the labor unrest
makes the complex Steinbeck story move seamlessly with ease.
A MUST SEE with its mood enhancement professional lighting, riveting
set movement design, authentic costumes and
props!
Call 707-523-4185 for tickets and info about future performances at the
Sixth Street Playhouse.
Nancy Long for Annette Lust
Dramatized Storytelling in Words First #2
Martin A. David introduced Program #2 of Words First, a
dynamic new group of solo performers that made its debut on Wednesday,
September 5. The program opened with Allison Landa, a writer turned
performer, who has previously performed at the Marsh. Allison likes to
make us laugh as she moves from neglect to neurosis in her tale of a
cat and dog.
The second performer, Kim Ereneta, a Berkeley storyteller, presented an
original take on his tale, "Bird's Liver and the Purse of Gold."
Ereneta
has a beautiful voice and a great sense of timing.
Sleam, a juggling clown from London presented "Old School Tomboy," and
"Clowning Around in America." Sleam, who referred to herself as a
"Knight in Shining Armor" not a "Damsel in Distress," has been a big
hit in Guatemala entertaining children.
Lynn Ruth Miller stole the show with her home-spun tales from her
childhood. Ripe with wit and wisdom, Ms. Miller performed with the warm
sincerity of a very savvy lady who has learned many of life's most
valuable lessons.
Future programs of Words First will be presented Wednesday, November 7
and Wednesday, December 5 at 8p.m. at Counter Pulse, 1310 Mission
Street at 9th.
Boxcar's Opening With Big Co.
Boxcar Theatre officially opened the doors of its new theatre and its
2007-08 season on September 14 with the world premiere of Big Co., a
new play written, directed and performed by the Boxcar Players. The
play develops the story of Nikolai and Sonya, a brother and sister who
operate a successful local deli. Everything seems to be on track for
these small business owners until a large franchise competitor opens
across the street threatening their livelihood. On the other side of
the corporate fence Jenny Doh and Mr. Mann, both working for the
corporate giant, attempt to steer it toward a positive influence on the
community and environment. Big Co. explores such issues as the
duplicity of management, selling out at the expense of others,
environmental issues and the big guy swallowing up the little guy.
Artistic Director Nick A. Olivero opens the show as you enter onto the
theatre's stage. Nikolai (Nick Olivero) and Sonya (Sarah Korda)
interact with the audience as they sell items in the deli at stage
right. On center stage is Big Co., with shady lighting and Peter
Matthews at the helm as Mr. Mann. Dana Lau plays Jenny Doh, his new
employee.
As part of Boxcar's Free Theatre Initiative, the run of Big Co. is
free of charge to expose non-traditional theatregoers to the art.
Performances are Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. closing November 3. For
tickets and information about futures shows at 505 Natoma St (at 6th),
phone 415-776-1747 or reservations@boxcartheatre.org.
Flora Lynn Isaacson for Annette Lust
Eastenders Discover New Voices
Eastenders Repertory Company opened season 2007-08
with "Discover New Voices" readings of 8 new works-in-progress by Bay
Area playwrights presented October 3-13 at the Eureka Theatre Company.
Eastenders invites the audience to become part of the creative process.
By giving emerging Bay Area writers an opportunity to hear their works
read by
professionals, and engaging in a discussion with the audience
afterwards, the writers can obtain constructive feedback.
The core of this company's mission is to nurture new work. Plays
developed by Eastenders include new works by award-winning Bay Area
playwrights, Charles E. Polly and Dean Backus, East-Bay poet, Mary
Milton, San Jose
playwright, Scott Munson, and Seattle playwright Bret Fetzer.
The Company strives to provide a collaborative, mentoring environment
for theatre artists to produce both original and established works in
repertory and to develop educational programs in theatre arts. ERC is
dedicated to providing a stimulating environment for theatre artists
and high quality, affordable, accessible theatre for the Bay Area
community.
More information at 510-568-4118 or www.eastenders.org
Flora Lynn Isaacson for Annette Lust
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