DC Theater Arts: As we near the end of yet another theater season, one of the more distinct productions on a DC stage is neither a play nor a musical. In Southwest DC, Arena Stage is presenting Vinny DePonto’s Mindplay, featuring a type of magic known as mentalism. What was it about this show — a late addition to Arena’s 2023/24 season, and the only show in the season programmed by Arena’s new artistic director, Hana S. Sharif (who came on board after outgoing artistic director Molly Smith programmed the rest of the season) — that led Sharif to insert it, for a lengthy seven-week run, into Arena’s schedule?
3 comments:
Growing up in DC, I have seen many shows at Arena Stage, and have loved many of the productions they have put on, but they previously had never seemed to branch out a lot. They had so many very 'serious' shows that were very interesting, but I did feel as though they didn't have the best range. I really like the idea of them branching out with "Mindplay," a show involving magic that seems to be quite different from other types of theater. I think it is incredibly important for theaters, particularly historical and important ones like Arena Stage, to branch out with their theater because many older people do not realize all of the things that theater can be, and these 'classic' theaters can give the best examples to a wider audience. I sadly will not be able to catch the show, but I would love to if I had the chance.
I think it’s fun when large venues like the Arena Stage introduce different types of performance to its audience who are used to only one type such as plays & musicals. Personally I don’t like stereotypical magic shows or acts akin to the ones you see on America’s Got Talent–but the one described in the article seems more narrative driven in smaller bursts than just gimmicks. I also like near the end of the article how it mentioned that Arena Stage has a “pay-for-your-age” program for people under 30 and other discounts and accessibility minded options for viewers of its productions. Our industry often leans elitist and I enjoy seeing efforts such as those listed being made. On a final note about this I think performance seasons will start to include more interactive shows like this one because it engages the audience and lately there have been many instances of audiences acting inappropriately or acting out–and magic shows might be a way to quell that unrest.
I’m glad to see Arena Stage branching out and doing something new. As Hana Sharif stated, the regional theatre model is no longer sustainable, and being able to branch out to attract new audience members is a vital part of keeping theatre alive. The fact that subscriptions are down doesn’t mean that people don’t like that work being produced, it does show that the cost of tickets is too much for what theaters are programming. Enticing new audience members to come see shows that step away from what we might consider “traditional” theatre could help keep the regional theatre model afloat, even if only for a little while longer. What we really need is a complete overhaul of the regional theatre model. Bigger doesn’t mean better, let’s stop buying new spaces and pay the people who make the theatre happen a better wage; and catering only towards interests of old white people is no longer conducive to a thriving theatre.
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