Photograph by Eric Matson: Bethelehem from the South, c 1934-9A lone traveler, full of expectations and preconceived notions, stops mid-stage and begins her journey into the dessert. Those expectations and notions will be comically, musically, and poignantly punctured during Happenstance Theatre's production of “FarFar Oasis”, appearing like a welcome mirage for the next two weekends at Round House Theatre's Silver Spring Stage.
Drawing from Rumi, T.E. Lawrence, Edward Said, Percy Bysshe Shelley, silent movies, cigarette ads, Spike Jones and more, this production packs an incredible evening’s worth of entertainment into 55 enthralling minutes. Scott Sedar’s warm baritone is a zephyr over the dunes; Tina Chancey is a musical chameleon; Sabrina Mandell charms and seduces with sly subtlety; and Mark Jaster who ranges from carnival barker to snake charmer to mysterious and wise desert dweller is absolutely amazing. His silent performance of the riddle of the Sphinx whilst Scott sings "O Isis und Osiris" from "The Magic Flute" is an astonishing transformation. It's not just how he moves, his muscles seem to deteriorate before your very eyes. All this and more awaits you.
You will never think of T.E. Lawrence again as you did before.
2 comments:
If this production ever comes to New Zealand I will HAVE to go and see it. I love Rumi's poetry. Great review and the photos were just magic.
Hugs
Liz
Thank you for this fantastic review!
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