A Mouth as BIG as All Outdoors

This past weekend I went to a student performance at The Hopkins Center of Performing Arts with none other then our very own Craig Lee! The "Hop" usually provides a diverse variety of performances for the College, and this show was no exception. The show was a compilation of Absurdist scenes and sketches by Becket, Chekhov and Ionesco. The plays were very unique and when considered out of context, absurd!

However, with a little background information their true beauty shone. Absurdist style came about as a reaction to World War II. The belief sprung forth that humans existed without understanding, purpose or direction in their vast world. Absurdist playwrights took this sentiment into account and wrote plays which, at the surface, seem chaotic and meaningless. Yet, beyond their initial shocking nature they convey themes that reflect the human experience.

Happily, Craig and I were able to muse over the colorful set and costumes, creative choreography (which we later recreated while walking down Main Street), and funny non-sensical script that held a much deeper meaning. After leaving the performance, we were impressed by what we'd seen and truly impressed that a Dartmouth student had contributed his own one act to the compilation (his work rivaled that of the traditional Absurdist). We were also confused and unanimously agreed that we had never experienced a performance quite like the grab-bag version of The Theater of the Absurd.

Ultimately this production embodies what our center for performing arts is all about. We exhibit student work with pride, add new experience and variety to your learning, and bring in performers and tradition from around the world. For instance, the performance that occurred simultaneously in the auditorium next to ours was entitled The Mystical Arts of Tibet: Sacred Music Sacred Dance.