Every February, the senior theatre and dance majors come together to present performances that complement their Senior Independent Study research. What makes these performances unique is the not just the name, but the format.
There are four students producing pieces for IS^4 – Senior Independent Study Productions: Alex Paolino-Gibson, Laura Vandiver, Marten Dollinger and Allison Wadleigh. There is no universal theme between all of the pieces, but Dollinger notes that Vandiver and Paolino-Gibsonís work provides commentary on controversial issues, while his and Wadleighís performances utilize more digital media. The performances will be showcased on separate dates by presenting Vandiver and Paolino-Gibonís piece this past Thursday and tonight, while Wadleigh and Dollingerís pieces are showing on Saturday and Sunday.† ìThe performances were sort of divided on the line of how serious the subject matter is in each piece,” said Dollinger. Theatre-goers can catch these shows at the Shoolroy Theatre at 8:15 p.m. tonight and Saturday, and at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Dollingerís production requires no action on the stage. Itís all on the screen. His performance is a film titled ìEditors,” a mockumentary film about running a student newspaper presented in two 10 minute episodes. Audiences will relate the format and style of the film to that of ìThe Office” and ìParks and Recreation.” Dollinger, an Arts & Entertainment editor for The Wooster Voice, is using his experiences of working for the Voice to create an atmosphere of authenticity. He also stated that ìthe combination of writing, directing and editing has been a very taxing but worthwhile endeavor.”
In contrast, Paolino-Gibsonís piece will be a staged reading of his play ìWait/ing,” which explores the issues of abortion and adoption and how they relate to everyone, not just women. The audience will be presented with four snapshot situations which will ìbeg the audience to challenge their opinions,” according to Paolino-Gibson. After the stage reading, Paolino-Gibson will be looking into producing the play in workshops. The playwright would like to advise that this performance is intended for a mature audience.
Vandiverís piece, ìA Good Face,” consists of two scenes and a monologue from Neil LaButeís plays ìThe Shape of Things,” ìFat Pig” and ìReasons to Be Pretty.” All of the scenes examine how Labute utilizes beauty and body images in his writing. Furthermore, the three pieces will present different and unique viewpoints on beauty. ìLaBute has a very singular style and rhythm which is unlike anything Iíve ever done before. His plays are gritty and vulgar and offensive,” says Vandiver.
Through questioning the effects of people interacting online, Wadleighís original play, ìFacebook Me,” will explore how character performs identity in a virtual space. Essentially, the piece creates ìthe social performative acts of Facebook, such as editing, commenting, posting and liking, in a space which is meant for performance,” according to Wadleigh. She comments that some people feel this pressure to stay ìin the loop” of our friendsí activities, but because people are increasingly using technology, there is less day-to-day interaction in everyday situations. ìFacebook is just another stage,” says Wadleigh.
For tickets, call the COW Box Office at 330-263-2241. Reserve tickets soon, as seating is limited. Inquiries should be directed to Patrice Smith.
Marten Dollinger, Arts & Entertainment editor, did not contribute any reporting to this story.