CMU School of Drama


Friday, November 15, 2019

Review: No rehearsal, no problem in profound 'Nassim' at Magic

Datebook: Put a professional actor in a show without any rehearsal, without letting them look at the script, without telling them what the show is about or what their character’s emotional journey will be, except in the vague terms of a marketing blurb, and it’s thrilling, right? It’s the magic of live theater dialed up, the danger that something could go wrong, not cloaked but celebrated.

But magnify that danger, as “Nassim” does, and you pique something voyeuristic or even a little perverse.

4 comments:

Elena Keogh said...

This seems like such a cool process! I am always so excited to see new approaches for theatre and the artistic process that goes beyond the traditional model, and this show seems like the perfect example! Overall From an audience perspective, I think that in this style of theatre you get the most genuine response from the actors because they are so forced to live in the moment. The author of this article also reflects on the feelings that the audiences might have as if they are glad they are not the actor at that moment. This idea truly forces the audience also to be completely present, because, like the actors, they equally do not know what to expect. This can be particularly challenging for an actor, because they have to work through obstacles completely in the moment, and they can very easily “get stuck” however must work through that in front of an audience in this very live setting.

JuanCarlos Contreras said...

This is so fascinating. As an audience member, I love going to see a play where I have absolutely no idea what the outcome is going to be. It is rare nowadays to fully experience that. I can only imagine as a performer what it would be like to PERFORM a play and have absolutely no idea where it is even going. One of my favorite quotes from this article is “The more unknowing you are, the more free you can be in it….” I am sure that viewing this as an audience member it is exciting to be on the same journey as the performer. You both do not have the faintest idea where the plot is going to take you. In reference to the quote, I think it also makes for an outstanding performance. The performer in question I am sure can just BE in the moment and let that carry them through.

Shahzad Khan said...

Its shows like these that are proving that in order to be a an actor and in order to be a substantial part of a production, an actor must be smart quick witted, and have the stamina to endure and succeed in productions like this. I've always been a fan of the work that the Magic Theater in San Francisco does, not only because it is inventive but also because it produces shows that push the art. This show in particular has an added level of expertise needed on the actors part which is great to hear about and great to watch. I'm hoping to see more theater like this emerge, especially at theaters like Magic who are committed to creating work that is cutting edge and has theatrical practices that can not be beat any where in the bay area. Actors being smart is something that I'd like to see more sows that utilize actors in this way.

Magnolia Luu said...

It's theatre like this that transforms and excites me in every way. The idea of getting to watch an actor's encounter with a part for the first time on stage is both terrifying and exhilarating. It could flop, it could soar. The unknown is intriguing. Having now heard of the show I wish I could see it performed at the Magic Theater. The parallels that the author brushed on between the themes of the show and the struggles of the actor, unaware of what they will face on stage, is a beautiful and compelling metaphor for what I assume is an identity play with a focus on the immigrant experience. Everything about this show begs me to be engaged and interested. As an audience member for this performance, you get to go on the same emotional rollercoaster with the actor for the first time and I feel like the genuine emotions would feel different to witness from a show that has been rehearsed a thousand times.