Unconventional Theatre

Water Fools: Aquatic Fantasmagoria

Performed by Ilotopie, a group based in France, currently performing.Direction not specified.

The way Ilotopies performs can be paralleled to modern graffiti artists. The troupe of technicians and actors appear suddenly at unlikely performance areas and create large-scale spectacles coupled with music, technical feats and amazing artistry. Conventionality is challenged through the guerrilla nature of Ilotopie's performances and subsequently has earned a cult-like following.

Faust

Performed by the Majak theatre group, and Jezek and Cizek

Prague, Czech Republic (August 2007)

Both venue and company receive the unconventional nod in this production of Faust. While outdoor theatre seems passe, few companies would venture to utilize an empty reservoir for performance space, as witnessed here. In addition, the troupe is primarily comprised of homeless people. The fusion of professionals and homeless makes for a very dynamic experience but nonetheless, fairly unusual.
http://www.radio.cz/en/article/94499

(Jakub Balaban plays the devil)

Baby Balloon

Performed by Oily Cart Theatre Company(founded by Tim Webb) who strives to connect with youth and those with disabilities.

April 2008 ("Baby Balloon" production still to the right.)

To accommodate their intended audiences, Oily Cart tends to produce material in an unconventional light. In the instance of Baby Balloon, the guests (who range in age from a few months to two years old) are exposed to sensory overload in the form of music,dancing, rattles and outstanding light effects. Baby Balloon aims to motivate young children to speak, develop and use their imaginations more freely and at a much younger age. In the future, the troupe plans to perform in a hydrotherapy pool alongside their audience. http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2008/04/23/107974/sensory-theatre-for-disabled-children.html

The Bacchae

Performed by the Screaming Weenies, directed and produced by Ilena Lee Cramer in Vancouver, BC 2005.

(production poster to the left)

The Weenies transformed a cramped space above a bakery into a theatre to house their performance of the Bacchae. The space itself appears unconventional with it's lack of seating and odd rave-like location, complete with a bar and DJ, Tracey D. The Greek mythology inspired opera is not without surprises itself- utilizing rap, large projection screens and "pharmaceutical grade smoke", making it an opera you could just maybe suede your boyfriend to attend.

http://www.screamingweenie.com/media/bacchae_media/Bacchae_Westender_05.pdf

Swoon!

Performed by a Melbourne based theatre company called Strange Fruit, currently touring .

Strange Fruit cast members have to set their fears aside in order to attend their blocking rehearsals. While the dialogue mute show centers around very universal themes, the actors circle each other on 4 meter stilts! Combining stunning acrobatics and a unique pole design, the actors float well above traditional audience sight lines to create beautiful scenes. The lack of words coupled with the sky high performance makes this unconventional as well as a must-see.

( a scene from Swoon! pictured right)

http://www.strangefruit.net.au/files/Brochure.pdf