The Tufts Department of Drama and Dance spring major, "bobrauschenbergamerica," is a non-narrative physical theater piece with American theme that have taken over Balch Arena Theater.
A giant American flag painted on the set floor and the red, white and blue costumes on the cast of 10 Tufts students exude Americana. Containing a number of disparate scenes that portray different aspects of the 1950s and 60s American lifestyle, Charles Mee's"bobrauschenbergamerica" looks at America through the eyes of late artist Robert Rauschenberg.
"[The show] explores American identity in a completely oblique way," the show's director Natalya Baldyga, said. Matthew McMahan, the show's dramaturge, agrees.
Natalya Baldyga is a relatively new professor in the Department of Drama and Dance. She joined the faculty in 2011, and "bobrauschenbergamerica" is the first production she will direct on the campus. She teaches theater history to both undergraduates and graduate students, and will also soon teaching a directing course.
Baldyga chose this particular play because of her love for physical theatre and because of her developed "sense for the absurd." She wanted to choose something, she says, "bold and exciting" for her first production at Tufts, and "bobrauschenbergamerica" is definitely nothing less.
Collaborating with Professor Baldyga is Daniel McCusker, a senior lecturer in the dance department. The amalgam of both theatre and dance in this production results in a kind of theatre that students at Tufts don't often get to see. On the Balch stage this weekend, a moment of extreme tragedy could turn into a square dance at any point.
This show is definitely a programme that relies on every aspect of performance. The dramaturge had an important job in making sure that the images and themes that the play perhaps intended to show, were seen. Matthew McMahan went through the entire script of "bobrauschenbergamerica" and annotated it, finding references to Rauschenberg's artwork that would help the cast and designers to understand the text better. For example, the unique bathtub which stays on stage for the entire production comes from Rauschenberg's "Sor Aqua."
The uniqueness of this play begins at its very root: with the playwright. On his website, where he posts all his plays, Mee states that anyone can take his work and use them as inspiration for devising completely new plays. In a way, that is what this production has done.
This is definitely a play in which viewers should not be taking what they see at face value. Instead, they should think about the play on their own terms and draw their own conclusions. The play explores the ideas of chance and circumstance and the amazing randomness of life. Shown through the eyes of Rauschenberg, "bobrauschenbergamerica" explores how everything, even everyday activities, can be art.
"'bobrauschenbergamerica' is an "artistic explosion" Baldyga said.
The dynamic cast of "bobrauschenbergamerica" has worked hard to produce such a non-naturalistic piece of art. A mix of seniors, juniors and sophomores are acting on the "bobrauschenbergamerica" stage and are an enthusiastic bunch.
Baldyga says that while casting the show, she was looking for students who had "a sense of teamwork, a serious work ethic, curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to leap into the unknown."
"That was exactly what I found," she adds. The tension and connection felt between cast members is tangible, and is truly makes the play what it is.
"Every single member of the cast is essential, and they've all helped to build the piece," says Baldyga.
The talented cast all have different levels of experience with non-naturalistic texts, but their ability to jump into the unknown and act impulsive from day one results in a show that is both extremely fun for the audience as well as the cast and crew.
What you will see when you walk into Balch this weekend is the product of some amazing collaboration. You may find yourself wondering why a chicken is crossing the stage, or why a random yard sale has proliferated, but just remember, you are in "bobrauschenbergamerica." Laugh, cry, be startled on the rollercoaster of emotions and applaud the cast and crew for their magically collaborative work.
"bobrauschenbergamerica" will run from April 11 to April 13 and from April 18 to April 20. Tickets can be purchased in the Balch Arena Theater box office. They are $7 for students and seniors, and $12 for General Admission on the April 11 through the April 13, but they are $1 on the April 18.
