A civilization balanced precariously inside a giant cyclone has collapsed and been flung across the planet. Dorothy wakes up in a heap of rubble to find her hands missing and her Aunt Em dead. She has no survival skills. Dorothy manages to locate some new hands belonging to a disembodied head with big plans to reconstitute civilization -but only the good parts. An unsettling and seductively comedic exploration of the visceral and ethical dilemmas that arise when navigating a planet-sized landfill with the voice of an angry cynic whispering in your ear.
Created by Lauren Gillis and Alaine Hutton
Directed by ted witzel
Movement Dramaturgy by Denise Fujiwara
Performed by Lauren Gillis, Alaine Hutton, and Nicky Guadagni
Assistant Directed by Julia Matias
Set and Costume Design by Amanda Wong
Set and Costume Associate Design by Michelle Tracey
Sound Design by Wesley Mackenzie
Lighting and Video Design by Remington North
Stage and Production Management by Alexa Polenz
Assistant Stage Management by Meghan Maguire
Technical Direction by Suzie Balogh
Photos by Michael Cooper
2016
“What if you got everything you ever wanted at the touch of a button? Would you be happy? Or, would you grow tired of a life without challenge or purpose? Intangible Trappings explores a dystopian future where every wish is granted, but true happiness is never truly found.
Dorothy is a young girl, the child of a futuristic society above the clouds where scientific and technological advancements allow any person to simply order whatever his or her heart desires. Consumerism is at its pinnacle, and people think little of simply throwing away anything and everything they’ve grown tired of. But she isn’t happy with her complacent lifestyle. One day, however, it literally all comes crashing down as she finds herself hurdling hundreds of feet to the ground, only to land on a mountain of discarded trash. It’s here that her adventure truly starts, as she meets a motley crew of characters on her newfound journey of survival.
As far as premises go, I was immediately hooked after the first few minutes. Using mixed media, including screen projection, puppetry and live action acting, Intangible Trappings offers up an interesting mix of comedy, drama and scathing social commentary. The mood? Think of The Wizard of Oz meets The Little Prince with a dash of Mad Max thrown in for good measure.
Nicky Guadagni was riveting as the severed head mad scientist, Noah. The ability to emote such emotion and passion with so little facial movement was truly impressive. For her part, co-writer Alaine Hutton, who played the entire supporting ensemble masterfully, showed a range of depth far beyond her young age. Being able to switch up her acting styles so fluidly within one piece wowed this theatre reviewer.
But the standout star of the night had to be none other than Lauren Gillis, who is the other playwright for this piece. The way she emoted and made use of every inch of the stage, as well as her stellar pantomime was a treat to watch. There was also a moment towards the start of the play where her character is falling to the ground and Gillis acts this out by sticking only half her body out of the curtain while flailing her arms. I got goosebumps watching it.”
— MOONEY ON THEATRE by Gian Verano
