Synetic Theatre: The Tempest

Synetic Theatre is one of the most unique theatre troupes in the nation.  Founded by the Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili back in 2001, it is modeled after traditional theatre from the native Georgia.  A theatre that had to speak its stories to people living on the heart of the silk road.  It transcends the limitations of spoken language and tells its stories through actions, mime, gymnastics, costumes, sets, sound effects, music, lightening--it is a full on sensory explosion in service of the play.  To this in this restaging of their widely acclaimed 2013 production, add water!  And what better story to add water to than Shakespeare's Tempest?  I honestly thought at one point, what would old Will think of this!?  If he were anything like me, he would have been mesmerized by it.

The degree of physical strength, agility and stamina in any Synetic production is impressive.  In this one?--it was Olympian.  Irina took on the role of Prospera, and let's be gentle but honest here, she's got to be in mid-40's.  A strikingly beautiful woman, her ability to project both power and grace in movement were unflinchingly dynamic.  Her son, Vato, held the role of Caliban.  He is a stocky man, more lineman and ballet dancer.  I first saw him perform with Synetic as Quasimoto in their telling of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.  His tender portrayal brought me to tears.  As Caliban he demonstrated not only the same emotional range, but a athleticism akin to cirque du soleil! The role of Ariel was reprised by Ale Mills.  Alex has an infectiously beguiling stage presence that was put to good use in this role. 

While I've always enjoyed the sets at Synetic, this one--water notwithstanding--was the most impressive I've seen yet.  The lighting was perfect, complimenting the performance and sweeping the focus from one scene to the next with smooth transitions that allowed the actors to leave and enter the stage without distracting from the action.  The score was also beautiful and portrayed the range of moods from chaotic to tender to comical to menacing which such acumen that it was every bit as much of an additional actor as the water play.

It's playing through the 20th of October.  I would say, don't miss this one, it's a unique theatrical experience well worth the price of admission.