A Spontaneous Theatrical Experience

"Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like." -Lao Tzu

An example of a disturbance in the theatre world which brought about change in how theatre is typically performed would be the I Am Trayvon Martin protest that happened all over the country, but specifically on the campus of Albany State University on April 6th 2012. Albany State's Theatre Ensemble felt inclined to stand for justice and show our unwavering support for the I Am Trayvon Martin campaign. We went to our advisors and asked for funds so that we could rent a performance space at the Municipal Auditorium, perform several monologues and songs that spoke on the severity of injustice against youth, and raise money to donate to the Martin Family. We were devastated when our advisors informed us that this pursuit was declined by our department chair. So...we decided to take things into our own hands!

We met as an ensemble and planned to do a flashmob/protest performance in our cafeteria during its busiest lunch time hours. We wanted to make an impact on our fellow Golden Rams and wanted to do it at a time where we knew we would have their undivided attention. We got approval from Mr.Walker who was in charge of Food & Dining and at 11:45am we performed our show. The show consisted of several inspirational songs/dances and a re-enactment of the Trayvon Martin story. This turned out to be Albany State's first flashmob experience and also the beginning to iPerform Dinner Theatre, which is now an ongoing project that helps raise funds for the theatre program and allows students/community members the chance to eat a 3 course meal and watch a show at the same time. This spontaneous and courageous move also peaked awareness in our SGA and a week later Albany State participated in the Million Hoody March were over 700 students were involved. 

This theatrical disturbance was an example of Guerrilla Theatre. It gave us the opportunity to present a social and uncomfortable subject in a theatrical form that was devoid from the standard or normal way of presenting theatre that Albany State and the community of Albany, Georgia grew accustomed to seeing. R. G Davis says, "The motives, aspirations, and practice of U.S. theatre must be re- adapted in order to: teach, direct toward change, and be an example of change...The Guerrilla company must exemplify change as a group. The group formation-its cooperative relationships and corporate identity-must have a morality at its core." These were all entities that our ensemble embodied. He also says, "Ideally, the universities should be examples of socially committed theatre...It is our obligation to gather audiences and excite them into being provoked and confronted, and into returning!" This theatrical protest not only motivated our students but it set a new precedent for future performances. This performance disturbance is also example of theatre found in the ACT UP reading. For it is a form of theatre that can be done in the community or public areas and it faces immediate social issues.

I definitely agree that in order to change theatre we must become more aware of what are the needs, wants, and desires of our community. For they make up the audience that will either become repeat supporters of our theatre or take their money and invest it into other gratifying forms of entertainment. I'd love to say...LETS DO MORE PERFORMANCES IN ECCENTRIC LOCATIONS! But honestly, we have to do a better job at marketing our shows, show selections, and of course finding new and creative ways of presenting productions. One thing I'd like to see more of is technology infused into the theatrical experience. I know that this would of course mean that more money would have to be invested into the show, but I think it would be extremely appealing and would have audience members coming back more and more! If we could combine a strong and moving script with fantastic and authentic acting with technological experiences found at Universal Studios...then that would be one hell of a production. Now I know that you could experience this in NYC or in Chicago, but if we brought this kind of theatre to places like Baton Rouge it would make a huge impact on the theatre scene and the community!

-Amar