BWW Reviews: Y. A DEVISED PROJECT

Devising is loosely defined as the process of collaboratively creating a new work without a pre-existing script wherein the collaborators are also the performers.

Upon entering the Danny Peterson black box theatre one of the first things that you notice is the body parts/forms that are hanging on the drapes that serve as the backdrop for the performance. There is also a video projection directly on the stage (set up as a thrust) showing random body parts and outlines of people. It gives the impression of male or female, but never of a location, they are in shadows.

It began with everyone on stage doing interpretive dance. The costumes ranged from contemporary to Greek with pink, yellow, and teal being the brightest colors that I noticed. They broke after the song and one actress sang accapella while they brought on set pieces. This device was used for a majority of the scene changes but not all and she did have a pretty voice.

The topics covered in the vignettes ranged from religion, to self-identity, and from sexuality to self confidence. They are interwoven in a way that makes you think. I think it is a more effective way to pull the audience into each story and make them wonder what would happen next, rather than just presenting each short play in one go, it was a good choice.

These vignettes were written by the students of Boise State University. If you want to see a show that will make you think about how this generation see topics and can make you uncomfortable (in an intellectual way) then you should get out to see Y. A DEVISED PROJECT before it closes.

WARNING: Mature language and themes