“A World of Pure
Imagination”
Most of us live in
the world of Reality (sketchy as it is right now). But Artists visit the world of Reality only
as a tourist. We have a strong
relationship with the world of Imagination, and are willing to share it, as
needed, to give Mankind a boost (which is very much in demand right now, I
believe). And Imago is at the top of the
list, in my opinion, for creating such an atmosphere, as in this extraordinary
production of this magical show, ZooZoo!
A warning, though,
some patrons have been licked by anteaters, sat on by penguins and jostled by
polar bears in these productions, so if this offends you, might choose to stay
away, or get your mind-set readjusted.
The play is wordless from beginning to end and set on an essentially
bare stage. But the actors, music,
lighting, costumes, and sounds, plus your own imagination will transport you to
lands of wonder.
Yes, you will meet
products of the animal world: zebras,
polar bears, anteaters, cats, penguins, frogs and hippos…all displaying/portraying
various attitudes, some almost human-like.
But you will also be introduced to an alternate universe in habited by
bugeyes, a paper bag (plus animal inside), larvabatics, windbags and paper…all
needing to express themselves. And, amazingly, they do get their point
across. This is perhaps a
evolutionary/revolutionary/revealing/cautionary tale for us mere mortals to
drink in, swill around in our gullets and be transported to that world of pure
imagination in which one may release their inner child!
And what is most
amazing is that all these creatures are enacted, danced with athletic abandoned
by just 5 actors: Mark Mullaney, Kaician
Kitko, Laura Loy, Isaac Ellingson, and John Mikhail Duggan—all brilliant! The creature designs/costumes by Triffle&
Mouawad is beyond words in their presentation, a work of art unto itself. And Griesar’s music/sound runs the garment of
genres, all perfectly in sync with the action.
And the lightning by Mouawad, plus Jeff Forbes and Chris Balo, creates
the tangible atmosphere in which they play.
All in all, Mouawad &Triffle have created a masterpiece in which one
can wile away a couple of hours in the soothing cacophony of endless
possibilities!
A final note, the
performance I witness had about 50% of its audience being young children and they
were totally captive by this magical world with its odd creatures, voicing
their pleasure at every turn and embracing the creatures as if they were old
friends. And what was even more
remarkable, I noticed the adults/parents of these young minds, being caught up,
too, in the wonders of those moments, because they saw, just for a few moments,
what it was like to be an innocent again and what a mind-freeing experience
that is!
I very highly
recommend this production for All age, If you do choose to see it, please tell
them Dennis sent you.
--DJS
