In keeping with its trend of spectacularly simple
works at a price no one can beat – free – the Shafer
Alliance Laboratory Theatre is launching yet another
production this weekend that promises to strike chords
of nostalgia with each individual in the audience.
Entitled the “Mixed Tape Project,” the eclectic
two-night event will feature works from 10 directors
and a slew of young theater majors.
” ‘The Mixed Tape Project’ is a compilation of works
from VCU students set to different kinds of music
almost anyone can relate to,” said Sarah Hildreth, a
junior theater-performance major.
Hildreth is performing in “Paper Wings,” a work
named after Rise Against’s punk hit and directed by
Phil Vollmer. Hildreth praised the Shafer Alliance for
the opportunities it so successfully has doled out to
students this season.
“It’s a great concept. (The project) is featuring a lot
of choreography from a wide variety of students-some
of whom have never directed or choreographed before,”
Hildreth said.
Vollmer said the task put in front of him helped
broaden his horizons, as well.
“(The project) helped me think outside of normal
blocking by being conscious of the performers movements,”
Vollmer said.
According to the alliance’s guest theatrical practitioner,
Horus Berntz, the production’s aim is to have
specially selected songs drive the movement-minimal
dialogue is present.
“We’re trying to bring together songs that resonate
with the audience. It’s kind of like encapsulating that
mood you feel when you hear that break-up song,
that first love song or that club anthem that makes
you want to dance all night,” Berntz said.
Between the gushiness and rocking out will be
interesting transitions and choreographed set changes.
In addition to musical variety, Berntz promises a wide
range of movement since the directors and performers
have accumulated their knowledge from many different
works, movement classes and experiences dancing.
“It’s a terrific forum to pick each others’ brains and
take that information to the stage. The performers
have received direction very well, and we know that
engaging the audience will be accomplished to the
fullest,” Berntz said.
The Flatbush, Queens native also promised a
twist-audience participation. Berntz said the production
would allow the more spontaneous members of the
audience to come on stage and engage the performers
in a wide variety of ways.
“We’re viscerally focused on the image that our
songs and movements project. The treat for the audience
will be their total involvement. They’re going to
be encouraged to stand, dance and come up on stage
and battle,” Berntz said.
Songs featured in the Friday- and Saturday-night
event will include Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Suzie
Q,” Damien Rice’s “Cheers Darlin’,” and DragonForce’s
“Valley of the Damned.”
Set to DragonForce’s hypnotically frantic epic metal,
the last scene of the evening will illustrate the final
battle between goblins and dragons.
“Allies will be called upon to assist their brethren
in the fray,” Berntz said.
“The Mixed Tape Project” will be performed at the
Shafer Street Playhouse’s Newdick Theatre Friday and
Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free to the public,
though seating is limited.