Smiling in the Dark + Alone Together (Emergence Phase One)

Fever Theater
March 21 - 28, 2009

Review by peanutduck (2 interconnected pieces...100 words)

Phase One of Emergence series explores collaborative, interdependent nature of human self-creation. Evening reminiscent of feeling alone yet surrounded by lovers. Pane of Portland nightscape and raucous street crowd evocative backdrops.

Alone Together. Kate Sanderson Holly innocently chastises her silent log/lover, then serenades pot of regenerating neurons. Inventive silliness, joy sharply underscored by bittersweet sorrow that “reaches into the spaces” between self and audience, creating connection.

Smiling in the Dark. Eerie. Desperate. Holey; scattered bits of ideas wanting development, cohesion. Jacob Coleman and Amber Whitehall, chase each other physically and verbally, effectively evoking resentment that inevitably arises in incomplete couplehood.

New Believers

Fever Theater
June 12 - July 5, 2008

Review by peanutduck

Red-frocked, naïve newborn Ni captivates at first sight; John’s intense gaze (be brave – choose a flower) evokes nervous laughter. But intimacy created in these first pieces through audience interaction is missing in larger space; evening becomes mish-mash of repetitive electronica and movement that interests but never completely coheres. Consult Beliephalizor.

Believers

Fever Theatre
January 17 - February 2, 2008

Review by Thursday

Collaborative, cult-related show falls somewhere between theatre and performance art. Site specific; requires audience participation from most. Excellent integration of acting, singing, music, and dance. Somewhat episodic. Not quite sure what they were trying to do, although it does hold attention. Dress warmly, but comfortable shoes not necessary. Interesting evening.

Portland Catacombs

Portland Art Center, Hand2Mouth Theatre and Fever Theatre
October 14, 2006; closes October 31, 2006

Curious, though as yet somehwat unsatiating, histories interleafed with contemporary artists reflecting/honoring people, place, change. Fine RPG mechanics from elaborate shoestrings. Intentionally fragmentary, tapping interactive audience, collaborative environment to grow/evolve through time. A thoughtful, theatrical haunt — environmental form that continues to carve a welcome niche in Portland theatre. Bears revisiting.

Mitlaufer

Fever Theater
May 25, 2006; closes May 27, 2006

Fond of subversive immersive environments like this. Not nearly as polished or thorough as, say, last year’s Resurrectory at Liminal, but Fever’s raw inventiveness always piques my curiosity. Many stunning moments, even if a few played a little too long. Onto something here; led deeper, it could be quite disturbing.

I Am A Superhero

Fever Theater
December 1, 2005; closes December 18, 2005

Cliplights, couches, MaryAnne curtains represent epitome of Portland DIY theater. Like its hero, multimedia presentation’s superpowers had no negative consequences — but that’s not the same as having had positive effect on playful premise. A number of perceptive notions, but script meanders; movement/media only sporadically synergetic; speeches swallowed instead of savored.

Like a Five-Wheeled Bicycle

Fever Theater
January 29, 2005

Knock to enter, ride freight elevator to creaky corner room of B&O Warehouse and discover recusant attic playroom for makeshift theatre. Or, rather, crude performance art at which many scoff, some laugh, few understand. Stronger dramatic arc would have been more compelling, but their refreshingly physical approach teased my muse.