Circle Mirror Transformation is not only the title of Annie Baker's Obie Award-winning play--now in its west coast premiere on South Coast Repertory's Julianne Argyros Stage, through January 30; Circle Mirror Transformation is also the name of an actual acting class exercise wherein participants form a circle, as one member of the spherical configuration models a movement. Soon the next person takes that movement and changes (transforms) it into another movement, and so on, until everyone in the entire circle has gone through and helped create a series of rhythms, gesticulations, and, accompanying sounds.
The purported purpose of this and other such acting academy activities is to develop rapport within an ensemble of performers and to un-trap actors from heady self-consciousness, while delivering them into their bodies, which, after all, is the actor's sole instrument.
What's intriguing about the structure of Baker's Mirror - under the fortifying direction of Sam Gold - is that the actors onstage are allowed to truly practice these aforementioned theater games right in front of the audience. Because they are designed to manufacture increased awareness and authenticity in the actor, the exercises are accompanied with an air of spontaneity and daring that saturates the proceedings, making us feel that anything could happen here.
The action takes place in fictional Shirley, Vermont. It's summertime, and an adult acting class is under-way. The setting is a windowless, wooden-floored dance studio, housed in a community center (scenic design by David Zinn). Five characters are reclined on the hardwood as the scenario begins. They count slowly one at a time, finding their rhythms. But quickly this warm-up evolves into an ever more demanding set of emotionally taxing exercises. Revelations are made, attractions grow, insights are gained, but at a cost. Amazingly, this simple "acting class" set-up - so under explored as a dramatic conceit - makes for a taut and amusing script and staging.
Recently author Baker remarked to the Los Angeles Times, "I didn't really believe Circle Mirror would find an audience...It's an elliptical fragment play with a lot of offstage action and silence." That's a point to be well taken: Circle Mirror is fragmented to the point of being nearly ephemeral. Nonetheless, there is a freshness and vitality to the mise en scene that makes Circle Mirror uniquely theatrical.
Of course, much tribute goes to the actors for providing many meaningful moments of vulnerability and understanding. Linda Gehringer plays Marty, the free-spirited, flower child-of-a-drama teacher. She's open-minded, open-hearted, and overly emotive--not always an optimum combination of traits. But Gehringer portrays them truthfully and to full effect.
As Theresa, Marin Hinkle is fresh faced and genuine, while Lily Holleman plays the sullen adolescent, Lauren, with ever growing charm and complexity.
Arye Gross is pathetically comical as sad-sack Shultz, a divorced carpenter, and a fool for love. His awkward hesitations and halting conversational pace play as if he were a man off the street; Gross makes Shultz seem both wholly natural and slightly annoying.
Rounding-out this five character cast is Brian Kerwin as James. Lusty and frustrated, James is married to Marty. Kerwin makes James's reluctance to give-over to the actorly processes appear palpable.
Within a simple framework (in an hour and fifty minutes) and with the door wide-opened to spontaneity, Baker's script delivers, under Gold's undecidedly determined direction, what the audience wants -but doesn't necessarily expect. Baker throws the pieces of this dramatic puzzle to the audience. It's up to us theatergoers to put the parts of Circle Mirror in place. What we gain is a surprising reflection of life.
"Circle Mirror Transformation" continues at South Coast Repertory--655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa--through January 30. Show times are at 7:45 PM Tuesdays-Sundays. Matinees are at 2 PM Saturdays and Sundays. For reservations, dial (714)708 - 5555. For further information, visit www.scr.org.
