Faust, 2007, Majak Theatre Group and Jezek and Cizek, Prague, Czech Republic
This performance was held in an unconventional location which was a disused reservoir. It was also performed by unconventional acting troops whose members are all currently homeless or have been homeless in the past. The homeless worked side by side with the professional actors and designers to stage this production. A local indie rock band also provided the music for the performance.
Tropicana, 2004, Shunt Vaults, London, England
Patrons start their unconventional experience by taking an elevator down to be seated in the theatre. People are seated along the edge of an old wine cellar. They are then treated to dark images that set the tone. The darkness of the vault and the actions going on around you being obscured by the architecture give you an impression that you may be the only one seeing the show from your point of view.
utopia, 1995, The Living Theatre, New York New York
This show is a combination of trying to show the audience an ideal image of the world with flowing lyrical dances, and also allowing the audience to change the world in their own ways. As seen in the picture the actors ask for audience input and try to portray the audiences emotions. The rods in their hands portray the limitations on the actors. The final scene the actors even use audience members to portray a Shakespearean scene.
Life Streaming, 2010, National Theatre, London England
This production ask the audience to reexamine how they use technology and how they interact with others. They set up an internet cafe and stocked it with actors to respond to the audience. The audience was in an internet cafe that had been set up in the theatre. This show brings to light how we are being striped of our compassion by a technology based world.
Fragments, 2011, Black Moon Theatre Company, Brooklyn, New York
This show uses fragmented famous monologues interspersed with images and dance to show the artist view of societies treatment of women. India Evans, a local New York artist, created collages to be interspersed in the work. Through the use of multimedia combined with acting the artist view that women are objectified and looked down upon within society is brought to the audiences attention with great force.
Black Box, 2004, Image Theatre, Prague, Czech Republic
This is a show that uses dancers clothed in black light reflective clothing to stage a beautiful display of technique and style. The dancers seem to be defying gravity with their moves due to the darkness of the stage around them. This production tells the story of the hero chasing villains through a maze of beautiful and mind blowing imagery. This is an amazing display of athleticism and innovative prop use to create a spectacle that has to been seen to be believed.
This Way, That Way, 2005, Parallel Exit 59E59 Theatre, New York, New York
This is a show that takes us back to the era of silent movies and physical comedy. The comic duo that comprise the main characters are a couple of con men that dream only of making it to New York to perform their vaudeville double-act. The way to that stage, however, is a rough one filled with the people they meet on the way and the close calls that allow them to continue on their journey. In the spirit of the great silent film era, the entire show is backed with music that creates the mood and setting for every scene and is a bit unconventional but still family friendly.
Theatre for One, 2003, New York Theatre Workshop, Larson Lab, New York, New York
A single audience member is sent into the theatre where they find this black box sitting on the stage. The directions lead them to taking a set and the typical preshow begins in their private theatre for one. In this particular instance the audience was treated to three fifteen minute shows. In this case though it's not so much the shows at all, but the viewing situation that make it a totally unconventional experience and so very personal all at the same time.
And the Rain Falls Down, 2011, Young Vic Theatre, London, England
Water is a source of great creativity in this piece. The water grows until it takes on a life of it's own. In this children's show the two actors eventually invite the audience to come to the stage and join in the spalshing of the water. Parents are advised to bring a change of clothes for their children. To actually allow the children on stage as part of the performance is very unconventional, but it seems to have worked as even the adults enjoyed the production.
Drum, 2011, Unicorn Theatre, London, England
This is a production geared for children. For a bit of a twist though, this production is geared for children with disabilities and comes in two varieties. While one is for autistic children, the other produciton is for those children with profound or mulitple disabilites. They use big drums with deep tones and incorporate dancing shadows to keep the children entertained. It's as much about feeling the vibrations of the production as hearing and seeing it.
