Review: Mustard Seed Theatre's Splendid BOSNIAN/AMERICAN: THE DANCE FOR LIFE

BOSNIAN/AMERICAN: THE DANCE FOR LIFE is a winning little piece, dedicated to educating and informing the public about the immigration of Bosnian refugees who fled to St. Louis, MO, when frequent massacres and religious and cultural persecution became more and more prevalent in their homeland. It's a wonderful thing to have a Bosnian community in our hometown, and hopefully we're representing the true spirit of the melting pot that is America with our welcoming attitude. Surely, this migration has been taking place for a long time, so there are roots now established here. But, there's always that need to be fully recognized as a true part of the community that sometimes goes unfulfilled. Luckily, playwright Deanna Jent has lent her considerable skills to the task with a work that speaks to people of all ages.

Jent tells the story of various refugees through flashbacks, and through the modern remembrance of the past by young adults now finding their own way in the world. It's told in parallel with a tale about a adventurous young female sheep who long to learn the ballet and explore the world. But, one day she comes upon a deadly wolf. To distract him, she dances, incorporating all the moves she's been taught while inventing new ones to keep herself from being eaten.

The entire ensemble does excellent work conveying various characters, and since this is really a group piece, I'll just list them all since they each deserve recognition: Elvedin Arnautovic (Milan), Arnela Bogdanic (Mirsada), Katie Donnelly (Bozica), Melissa Gerth (Aska), Amir Salesevic (Faris), Andrew Kuhlmann (the Wolf), Mary Schnitzler (Aja), Bob Thibault (Muhamed), Carly Uding (Ariyana), and Agnes Wilcox (Nena).

Adam Flores directs this 45 minute work with style and flair, blending dramatic and comedic elements with equal acuity. Kyra Bishop's set design is stylish and unique, with a series of four lighted picture boxes that represent each section of the work itself. Michael Sullivan's lighting notably heightens the dramatic portions, and Jane Sullivan's costumes seem natural for each locale portrayed.

Mustard Seed Theatre's BOSNIAN/AMERICAN: THE DANCE FOR LIFE is a delightful representation of the Bosnian experience in America that will translate well to schools and other venues. Come see it through May 1, 2016 in the black box theater at Fontbonne University.

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