Sitting in a circle of chairs facing inwards, arranged at the outermost edges of an otherwise empty stage, it is impossible to discern the actors from the audience. There is a playful tension in the air as we eye each other in friendly appraisal—silently placing our bets as to who is most likely “in on it.”
I have to admit it wasn’t easy. Woolly Mammoth’s reputation for putting on, and hosting, innovative, unconventional theater pieces attracts an audience as diverse as its programming. Ranging in age from 5 to 85, from toddlers to hipsters to grandpas, I couldn’t rule anyone out.
Something felt a bit broken, so 600 Highwaymen created The Fever
Finally, an unassuming man with a slight build, reluctantly stands and begins to tell a story, gently inviting members of the audience to step forward and represent the characters he describes. That man is Michael Silverstone who, together with wife Abigail Browde (the duo known professionally as “600 Highwayman”), co-wrote and direct The Fever.
Originally commissioned by The Public Theater in New York, The Fever is not a story, exactly. It is an experimental theater piece that relies on the audience’s collaboration to create a series of vignettes, each touching upon the idea that human beings—even strangers—have a collective responsibility to each other.
(Non) spoiler alert: we were asked not to describe in detail what happens next, lest it ruin the experience for a future audience. And in truth, the show differs each night, depending on where the audience takes it, even with Browde and Silverstone pulling their invisible puppet strings.
Fair warning: you will be a part of the show, if only for a few seconds, and (probably) more than you initially expect. If you’re like me, you may find yourself standing again and again, compelled to respond to what is happening before you. You might just find yourself swept up, dancing in a crowd of strangers and experiencing a childlike rush of unadulterated joy.
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That said, The Fever is not for everyone. If the idea of standing before a group of total strangers (and potentially looking silly) makes you break out in hives, this is not the show for you. But if you’ve ever thought of taking an acting or improv class, or wondered what it would be like to be part of a flash mob or collective movement—give it a try. Be on time (there is no late seating), wear comfortable shoes and keep an open mind.
The Fever. Written and Directed by Abigail Browde and Michael Silverstone. Created in Collaboration with Brandon Wolcott, Emil Abramyan, Eric Southern. Performed with Marchant Davis, Caroline Kittredge Faustine and Tommer Peterson. Original Music by Brandon Wolcott & Emil Abramyan. Production Design by Eric Southern. Sound Design by Brandon Wolcott. Production Stage Manager Olivia Edery. Reviewed by Meaghan Hannan Davant. Produced by 600 Highwaymen . Presented by Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. Reviewed by Meaghan Hannan Davant.
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