I'm the choreographer for "Lysistrata" (mystic, mission, faith)

MysticSang'ha · #1 08-09-2006, 08:54 AM

I have a new project, everyone!

I have been commisioned to choreograph for the male and female chorus for the Aristophanes play Lysistrata that is set for performance Nov. 15-19 in St. Louis, MO. It won't be a fat paycheck, but I won't be losing money either (and I won't be able to claim a loss on my 1090 tax forms come 2007, damn). The same theatre has already commissioned me to choreograph for the musical revue-style show A.......My Name is Still Alice in the Spring.

I am so excited about the new opportunity, because I've never done Greek theatre before. So, I'm busy with research on individual movements, use of masks, integrating movement with a more grand sense of space and song, etc.

The play is also a highly charged sexual and controversial anti-war play. It is inundated with phallic humor everywhere, and the conclusion of the play is desired by the director to be a huge orgiastic spectacle. He wants to pull out all the stops and go full force into making a big statement here in St. Louis. I have decided to go along for the ride.

This is a big move for me, since this will be a huge risk. There is a buzz already because of the full-frontal nudity and frank sexual nature of the play. Performers who are planning on auditioning in September are already excited about possibly being a part of this buzz. And the director is making this year's season for this theatre his last year before he retires after 28 years of directing.............he wants to go out with a bang.

We'll see how this goes. It is rare that risque theatre falls flat or is shunned by regular theatre patrons, but it is a great way to reach out to non-theatre goers and shake them up a bit. Shows like these leave a mark, and when they do, people will remember who was involved. Professionally speaking, that's a good thing. I have faith that this director will allow this show to fall flat on it's face.

I've seen theatre where controversial topics are met head-on, and where some shows decide to focus more on shocking the audience than presenting an actual theme. The people involved with Lysistrata I know to have a lot of integrity as artists, so I predict that it will be a good one.

Wish me luck! I will check back to let you all know how things are proceeding.

Peace,
Mystic