When I showed up at “The Meeting” last week, I had no idea what to expect, but I was intrigued by the title saying above. What could a meeting where you can’t say anything possibly be about? Gradually, I learned what it might be like to live in a post-fascist society, where the only sanctioned gathering is in church. Therefore, the meeting I was attending was underground (in a room, it was hinted, right next to a sanctuary), for fear of detection by the “Boot Crew,” a goon squad that was meant to stomp out dissent. Those gathered here are united, but for what reason?
Gradually, the bare outlines of the meeting’s purpose slips out. And that’s the fun. Led by director Richard Piatt, we learn about society’s gradual descent into authoritarianism through the stories of some of the individuals in the room. Significantly, all their names are “Joe.” But then, we are all wearing name-tags with the same name. Safer that way. The only disrupter seems to be a hot-head (also named Joe), who insists on challenging the status quo.
Later, we learn that his name is Mitch Lerner, and he is a member of the consortium of actors employing the techniques of Theatre of the Oppressed, designed to create scenarios performatively designed to solve whatever problems are at hand. The Meeting, designed by playwright Brian Pollack, has plopped the audience right into the middle of the action! I had a wonderful time trying, in my own way, to cause mayhem; while my guest, who was unfamiliar with the landscape she was presented, nevertheless, used it to urge help for the homeless. Be sure to add your voice when you attend!
Note: “Along with The Meeting, Theatre Unleashed is also offering a free workshop on Augusto Boal and Theatre of the Oppressed on Saturday, June 21st at 10 a.m. in Joyce Hall at Thymele Arts.”
Theatre Unleashed presents The Meeting at Thymele Arts, 5481 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90029, for three more performances: Sunday, June 22 at 6:30 pm; Wednesday, June 25 at 8:30 pm; Saturday, June 28 at 3:00 pm. All tickets are $15.00, with discounts for Fringe Button purchasers. Purchase in advance at www.hollywoodfringe.org/tickets.
