I’ve been asked a few times, “What makes a production eligible for Philly Fringe?” I’ve not had a good answer to that, and in fact have asked myself several times whether shows I’ve seen during the Live Arts-Fringe Festival have been “Fringe” shows. Dancing her way to our rescue, Charlotte Ford brings the ultimate Fringe show to this year’s festival, BANG.
Normally I would give you a bit of a synopsis at this point, or describe the characters in the play. BANG is hardly normal…there is no plot (but there is a theme) and the characters are, well, fringe-y. The performers in BANG (Lee Etzold, Charlotte Ford and Sarah Sanford) undergo their own metamorphoses during the production, and much of their performances will be determined by each audience. There is a lot of interplay with the audience, to the extent that a couple audience members are involved heavily in the production at times. Sarah Sanford is Cheyenne, a “new-age spiritualist”, who is thoroughly confused by why she is there and what she should be doing…at first. Lee Etzold is Gayle, a woman who seems more into going with the flow, and who is seriously in touch with her sexuality. Charlotte Ford is Barb, who dances, recites Canterbury Tales in Olde English, and is the free-est spirit among the three. (One video sequence with Ford was particularly hilarious, with Ford dancing through South Philadelphia streets, a coffee house and the South Street Bridge…naked. I’m quite certain that none of the people that were at these venues were prepared for what happens.) All three are amazing performers, their focus and concentration impressive throughout. They are given opportunities to show off their equally impressive improvisation skills as they interact with the audience.
The production itself is very impressive as well…a bare stage with curtains surrounding the back, opening when needed to have the minimal set pieces and props appear and disappear on command. Lighting and sound are designed to accent the performers when needed, yet never overshadowing what’s happening on stage.
BANG is a frank, explicit and stark exploration of sexuality, albeit in a very non-threatening and hilarious fashion. Through sketches, songs and video, these three talented performers make us examine our views on sex, sexuality, and societal mores. More than that, they make us laugh for the entire performance. BANG is a brilliant performance piece. Time permitting (and seating permitting) I might go back to see it again…I’m sure each performance will be unique and very entertaining.
BANG
Conceived by Charlotte Ford
Co-created by Lee Etzold, Charlotte Ford, Sarah Sanford
September 7-12, 2012
Christ Church Neighborhood House
20 North American Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
http://livearts-fringe.ticketleap.com/bang/#view=calendar
