What I liked
I loved the show’s loose format and improvisational nature, and the natural interactivity that Ramon encouraged throughout the show. From the moment I walked in I was asked to let go of my grief, ask questions and get to know the audience members around me, turn off my cell phone and be fully present in the moment. There were audience volunteer moments that made me laugh, community dance moments that allowed me to let go, and even educational moments that empowered me with knowledge. At the end we all were encouraged to let go of the grief we carried in with us and there were shrieks of passion, tears of sadness and deep breaths of understanding. It felt like part show, part group therapy session. Many of us struggle with the same feelings and it is a welcome emotional release to know that we are not alone.
What I didn't like
I think underscoring loudly at the top of the show the importance of turning off cell phones is crucial to the performance, because it is not only for the benefit of Ramon and the rest of the cast, but in support of the functional and philosophical message that is central to Ramon’s show. This could perhaps be made more apparent at the beginning. Maybe we could all use Faraday bags!
My overall impression
Radical Acts with Ramon is an antidote to the grief we are experiencing in our world today. This show flies in the face of hopelessness, apathy and sadness, and advocates for education, joyful connection and collaboration with the people around us. This is the cure. Radical empathy for friends, family, neighbors and strangers. Fighting for other people who cannot aways fight for themselves. Researching the issues, discovering new information, calling your representatives, sharing resources. These are all active solutions to making our world a better place, and I left Ramon’s show feeling better equipped to do all of them. Creating joy in the face of darkness is a difficult task, but Ramon manages to do it with humor, dance and honesty.
Turn off your cell phones and be fully present in the moment for this amazing show!
