What I liked
This one woman genre bending show uses backup dancers via multimedia – a clever way to include more artists and diversity within the production, and this canned device makes up much of the ‘first act’ of this 50 min show. Entertaining, engaging, well-filmed and edited projects and projections provide the content filler for the first chunk of the seminar. The conceit of the show, that the audience is populated by aliens from across the galaxy learning about Earth, allows for the use of dance and gesture as a foreign language.
Annie Kahane, our solo artist, brings her A game to two characters, both of which exist beyond the fourth wall. She does an exemplary job of being present, listening and responding to her audience, and it’s clear that is the part of her character’s job that she really likes. Kahane’s (and her whole team’s) bio has clout, and she does not disappoint. Just when I think I’m about to be lectured, Kahane’s Trainer admits her own shortcomings, and suddenly I’m not on the verge of my own quiet, theatre alienation.
What I didn't like
The last act was a little lost on me. Graphics and dance combine in a beautiful way, but we shouldn’t be seeing the trainer’s “emotional moment,” at least not from a dramaturgical standpoint, not without justification.
The other element that might be considered for adjustment comes from a marketing standpoint: “Meeting #7,” without context, feels more chore than intrigue to me. For my money, “Fantastic Orbitz,” or “Tips and Tricks for Survival on Planet Earth,” or any number of other well written bits of text would be better band names, at least from a marketing standpoint. Would also love to see a different visual than what’s on the fringe site- I don’t think it does the show justice. But if this is what I’m finding at fault, it’s safe to say this is a solid production.
My overall impression
The show starts tongue in cheek, but the teeth bite down by the mid point, and concludes with a desire to heal.
If “imagination is key” to finding solutions to the big problems, as Kahane suggests, then this production is a locksmith of thought on the human condition. Smart satire, smart sweat suits (I want one!), smart use of multimedia, smart artist! Solid show! Go see!
