Non-traditional theater is alive and well on campus. On Saturday, the theater department presented a one-night display of solo and improvisational performances entitled the “Life and Literature Performance Series” at Corner Playhouse.
“The ‘Life and Literature (Performance) Series’ focuses on non-traditional performance. Literary adaptation, performance ethnography, devised ensemble pieces, and autobiographical work,” said Jordan Talbot, writer and sole performer of “Orange,” an autobiographical piece about living with generalized anxiety disorder.
“It is a showcase of performance that expands the definition of theater and performance,” Talbot said.
This year the “Life and Literature Performance Series” celebrates its tenth anniversary.
The series began as an outlet for theater students to perform original works and adaptations of literature not usually meant for the stage. Since then it has grown to include performances from students and alumni alike.
“I teach performance courses that explore creating works for the stage from all types of materials,” said creator and artistic director Heather Carver. “The student work is extremely compelling, and it needed a space and a stage for it to be performed.”
Carver said one of the main goals of the production has always been to foster a sense of community both within the theater department and with its audience.
“Seeing their fellow students perform original and adapted materials about life helps create community — a way to publicly express issues, emotions, politics, fears and even hope,” Carver said.
Many of the performers tackled big issues including suicide and anxiety. Sharrell Luckett, an alumna of MU’s graduate theater department, performed a piece about growing up overweight and black in today’s society. It is an excerpt entitled “Riot” from her larger, upcoming one-woman show entitled “YoungGiftedandFat.”
“It is a wonderful opportunity to re-connect with my professors now that I’ve graduated and starting my career in higher education,” Luckett said.
Performances in the series encompassed not only a wide variety in content, but also in style and tone.
One piece was a dramatic monologue of “Howl” by Allen Ginsberg, performed and adapted by Chris Oliver. Another was an original work entitled “Meeting Martin,” a contemporary retelling of the story of St. Martin from the beggar’s point of view, written and performed by Milbre Burch. “Empty Gourd” was a traditional African folktale with a modern message told by Lawrence Chiteri.”The Last You’ll Hear From Me” from Barrel Fever was a recount of a vengeful letter written by a young woman who committed suicide, performed by Alyson Germinder. The last monologue was a short comedy about living with small children entitled “Sleepless Nights,” written and performed by Matt Fotis.
Alongside these solo works were two guest performances. Emilie Sabath, an MU graduate and current filmmaker, previewed her current work, a combination multi-screen video and live performance entitled ISLA. The second performance was done by MU Improv.
Sophomore Abigail Auner said she was interested to see what the performances were all about.
“I was interested to see what sort of performances were going to be there, I just didn’t know what I was getting myself into, and that’s always sort of an exciting feeling,” Auner said. “In addition, I have to give a monologue for a class in a few weeks. I thought learning by experience is probably the best way to approach it.”
