The Campus Voice

Issue date: 12/8/09 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: headlongtheater.com [Click to enlarge]

"Six Characters in Search of an Author" was an unconventional and exciting play hosted by Dramaworks at Wilson Center located at South Campus on October 29 through 31, and again November 6 through 8.

The play was nothing like a play at all. It had the look and feel of what would normally happen before a production would take place. It was meant to seem like a rehearsal for a play.

When spectators first walk through the doors of the theater, instead of being handed a program, they were given backstage passes to wear around their necks.

They were advised that once the "rehearsal" had started they would not be allowed to leave the theater and return again. The programs were dispersed at the end of the play when the audience was on their way out.

It started off with a group of people rehearsing for a play named "A Christmas Carol." Not very far into that rehearsal six characters show up in a very odd way. These characters explain that they are searching for an author to finish their play.

These characters were shown in an unusual light throughout the entire play. They wore all black and white. Some of them did not even speak or move around much on stage. It was clear that there was something very strange about these characters.

There were also some scenes in the play that were very interesting to see. One such scene had a mirror in it. The first appearance of the mirror was normal; it showed a reflection, exactly what a person would expect to see. It then changed and showed characters acting behind it. It was something like a magic mirror trick.

Another intriguing moment of the play was near the end when all the characters were standing near a pond. The water effect on the stage was awesome. The characters were really coming out. Some very unexpected and fast paced events were happening. A gunshot rang out.

The ending of the play was very abrupt. It left the audience with an eerie feeling. Spectators finally found out why they had had those strange feelings toward the six characters in the first place.

"Six Characters in Search of an Author" was a perfect play for the Halloween season. It was refreshing to see a play that was so out of the ordinary. It was creepy and it went right along with the moment.

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