For those who are looking for a unique and immersive improvisational experience, then ‘Zoom’ is something that needs to be experienced to be fully in touch with its ingenuity. The audience are required to ‘open their mind’s eye’, and nothing else, as fifty minutes of beautiful intertwined improvised scenarios are presented before them based purely on the attentive interaction of two performers and their percussionist, and framed within a journey that reminds us that there are stories unfolding all around us. The guiding mechanic to the show is within the title itself, as the narrative shifts and changes by the suggestion of ‘zooming’ in and away from certain characters and environments, including seeing the inner emotions inside the mind of character, or zooming out above the clouds to then descend upon a completely different atmosphere to play with. It is a beautifully constructed and ornately uncomplicated improvisational format, and one that needs masters of its craft guiding it towards its successful execution.
‘Zoom’ is the brainchild of the improvisational mastermind that is Jason Geary. With his phenomenal expertise in creating an engaging and immersive structure and narrative, he is joined by another rotating cast member, (in the case of this review, the multi-talented and characteristically grounded Rama Nicholas), to create a wonderfully rich performance of characters and interweaved surroundings that will be different every night. Joining them is percussionist Conrad Tracey, who provides the improvised soundscape that really brings this performance together with an impressive handle on the different grades of environmental sounds his drum set can provide, as well as the tempo required as quiet moments build into elements of tension. What unfolds is a team of three deftly listening and reacting to each other’s subtle offers to build worlds and aspects within those worlds out of nothing more than intellectual harmony and intuitive talent. It is an impressive and succulent piece that needs, as stated above, to be experienced to fully appreciate; and soon, given its short run.
– Corey
Corey M. Glamuzina is a Melbourne-based actor, writer, improvisor and comedian with an avid involvement in the art of theatre and film.
‘Zoom’ runs from 13-18 September, 8.30pm (50mins) at The Butterfly Club.
The venue is not accessible.
For more Melbourne Fringe 2016, check out our guide and all our reviews.
