BE

Last night jackee and i went to see BE, by Mayumana, at the union square theatre. It's a movement piece - dance/percussion/clowning/music. Virtually no dialogue (though there were a few words of english, and some limited speaking/singing in other languages.) Superbly compelling, very high wow factor. It's a multi-cultural/multi-disciplinary company, which sounds like it's just latching on to some buzz words du jour, but in this case it's the real thing: performers from israel, mallorca, mainland spain, ivory coast, switzerland and probably other places i didn't catch, with training in gymnastics, music, acting, art, drumming, music and a bunch of different kinds of dance. Great combination of elements that were so simple they make you think you could do it yourself (and inspire you to try) with feats so difficult and demanding they make you wonder how one company can incorporate so many skills.

It's gotten some flak for being too much like things like 'stomp' and 'drumstruck' (neither of which did i see, though i've seen extensive video of 'stomp') and for lacking 'content.'

To which i respond: pshaw!

The shit is fun! Really exciting and enjoyable, BE is singular in its cross-generational/cultural appeal, with elements of old-school clowning (difficulty with objects, anyone?) hip hop rhythms (including some pretty damn good beat boxing) first rate performance and technical work on every level, audience-friendly audience participation (never has an audience member's rhythmlessness been mocked so funnily and kindly at once) and very immediate and alive. There are some segments that feel like filler, but what they are filling in is so extraordinary one is inclined to forgive the need to make a perhaps imperfect transition.

The ticket price is high, but discounts are available everywhere you turn. I dare you not to enjoy yourself. Not everything has to be hamlet.