This stream-of-conscious, cornucopia of quasi-carnival inspired non-sequiturs is not for the intolerant fringer. The Dream-Casting gives pause to ponder: Should we support the artist who travels cross-country (perhaps internationally) no matter what the product?
As video rolled on, garish puppets and masks were revealed, and shamanistic rituals were liberally interpreted, no story or context was offered for the consequential sensory assault. In the program notes the artist claims to “enjoy the magic of animating and merging the stories of tangible art with intangible, experimental dynamics,” however the tangible component of the performance was never quite accomplished. Since self-referential theatre is absolutely post-modern, perhaps the self-indulgent performance artist is simply miss-understood. Or, perhaps this is a good example of why some fringe festivals are juried.
Mere moments after the show commenced I was scouting the closest exit, and yet somehow, I was impelled to stay put. Professional courtesy? Other observers were not as lenient and departed partially through the event. Almost lulled back to a state of patient contemplation by the presentation of a beautiful yellow rose, the dream-caster himself then picked up a microphone and asked the audience to create a “community event.” Seriously? By that time I was just thankful I hadn’t brought anyone I would need to apologize to.
- Running Time: 50 Minutes
- Tickets: The Dream-Casting
- Remaining Shows: Wed, July 23 at 8 . Thurs, July 24 at 9 . Sun, July 27 at 2
- Where: The Baldaccino at Fort Finge, 607 New York Avenue, NW
i have to say, carrie is poorly represented here. I attended the show on July 25 and it was outstanding and there were many folks hanging out after the show. I heard people referring to this show as the ONE that represents what fringe is about. Incidently, huilo offered that 5 performers had flaked and he hires actors on the spot. He also said that he has been juried into New York.
I offer to the DC fringe community and DC theatre snobs, that yes, we should support off beat theatre and remove ourselves from the droll, mundane, corporate, spoon-fed theatrics that are sadly disappointing.
There were 4 characters, a mysterious shadow being that eventually becomes transformed. Perhaps some of the reviewers might want to actually engage in the concept and speak with the performers and …. see the show after a fews days of it’s landing.
Sadly? i never go see things based on reviews. Most of you are bitter and some of the best performance/art i have seen has been poo-poo’d by the corporate Fox style republican reporting.
Go figure. The capital is a sad place, and we have opportunity with the fringe to explore our range of intuition and imagination.
if you want to be spoon-fed, go get baby food, watch dreamgirls and enjoy the sapranos.
ciao