Pla
Pla By Jeff Wirth
Blue Venue, 2010 Orlando International Fringe Festival</strong>
Improv typically relies on the audience for two things, random triggers to steer the performance, and laughs at the end. In Pla (there should eb a “long A” there, but it doesn’t work on my browser) Mr. Wirth warms up the audience by giving us balloons to bat around, then he settles into working the show. If you wish to participate, you hold up a balloon and he taps you on the head, and you’re on stage. Unlike most “drag the audience on stage” bits, you’re not there for humiliation or embarrassment, but to act out a scene with him. He starts, you have no clear idea of the situation, but after a few lines the guy or gal on stage is playing right along. I even think we had a few ringers, one woman help create an entire adulterous affair then Mr. Wirth hadn’t anticipated. With a half dozen small scenes, all incredibly effective, this was a unique and unexpected performance.
This event is part of the 2010 Orlando International Fringe Festival. For schedule and ticket information, please visit http://OrlandoFringe.org
