By Jennifer Vazquez
Observer Correspondent
There are many who are theater enthusiasts — people who indulge in the world of plays and musicals. However, there are also those who are the complete those who say the theater is an acquired taste. Because of these two, entirely different groups, it is hard for one to find a production that both can actually enjoy. Nevertheless, “Fuerzabruta” might just be the production that satisfies both lovers and “naysayers” of the theater world.
First and foremost, it is of importance to point out that Fuerzabruta — which comes from Argentina — is not your typical New York theatrical production. Not by a long shot. The experience is so unique, so out of the norm that it truly is captivating, surreal and an overload on all your senses.
When one walks into The Daryl Roth Theater — a wellknown off-Broadway theater located across the street from Union Square — to watch the performance you might be expecting to sit down in a chair and witness a plot unfold on a stage. What actually awaits you is a completely different scenario! Instead you will find yourself standing in the middle of an empty room, alongside other spectators, and engaging in the production. That’s right — when you go to see “Fuerzabruta,” you are not only a spectator but part of the story that unfolds before your very eyes!
The production starts off with a man, dressed in a white suit, running on a treadmill in the middle of the crowd. The DJ that overlooks the room plays. With each change of scene the audience is guided to move to certain areas of the room by members of the production staff.
With each changing scene your senses are completely and utterly enthralled with what is happening around you. There is a scene with two women playing tag. Except this tag is actually taking place while the women are running around the walls! There is another scene where rain and wind takes place in the middle of the room. The booming wind and ever present falling water, though unannounced, was completely welcomed by the entire audience.
Yet, there is another scene where dancers take the stage — a stage that is moved into the room. These dancers shatter the “roof” (which is made out of paper) of the stage and throw the remnants — which end up being paper, confetti and foam — into the crowd. They, later, bring their performance into the crowd, picking audience members to join them on stage in a dance.
However, of all the acrobatics and different scenes that make up “Fuerzabruta” the most popular seemed to be the pool scene –a scene where a see-through pool hangs above the crowd while a group of women perform and glide in it. The pool slowly starts descending to the point that the entire crowd can reach and touch it as the women in it interact with the audience.
At the end of the production “rain” comes down once again. While the DJ continues to play, the actors come out and encourage the audience to dance. This end prompts the room to turn into a mini dance club.
For a production that basis itself on visual, audio and tactile elements, with no dialogue whatsoever, one comes out of the production entirely fascinated, awestruck and mesmerized.
“Fuerzabruta” is a production that leaves the meaning of the performance completely up to the spectators. It is by far an exceptional sensory overload for both theater and non-theater lovers. A unique type of production. An avantgarde theatrical masterpiece that is sure to resonate with people, both young and old.
Because “Fuerzabruta” is slated to close Nov. 11, one must act fast to purchase tickets!
If you would like more information on “Fuerzabruta,” or to purchase tickets, visit www.fuerzabrutanyc.com.
