Lucky Plush Paper

Lucky Plush Productions: Cinderbox 2.0
Cinderbox 2.0, directed by Julia Rhoads, is a captivating performance with various underlining themes. The beginning of the performance grabbed the audiences’ attention by forcing them to view four different every day scenarios simultaneously. This was of course a little confusing at first, then it slowly turned into a unifying performance when each scenario slowly formed into one routine with all six performers. Throughout the performance there seemed to be a specific theme that unified the dance from beginning to end. This theme included utilizing technology, social media, and branding. Although at times this theme seemed to dissolve and become forgotten, the majority of the dialogue seemed to reincorporate the use of the theme. The use of this specific theme is clever due to the audience relating to the quirky and underlying messages. For example, the conversation that the performers were having towards the end of the performance, they spoke as if they were commenting or tweeting to each other with the use of hashtags. However, there was not a sense of beginning and ending, since the ending became the beginning (confusing, I know).
The reoccurring beginning, however, could allude to social media literally never ending since our smartphones can keep us connected anywhere we go. A great example of branding, and how it affects our everyday lives was the use of Fiji Water. People tend to purchase products simply due to the commercials they view on television, or the popularity of the object between both their peers and public figures. From the beginning to the end of the production, the Fiji Water was present in not only their conversations, but in a dance routine as well. The audience seemed to laugh and enjoy this silly commercialization of a specific type of water, however they may have not noticed that we over commercialize products almost every day unintentionally. The fact that this was such a huge part of the performance was very amusing, especially at the end when we learn it was tap water all along; thus showing that he could not notice a difference. This underlying message flowed through the performance seamlessly, although water played a specific and major part of the entire show. A perfect example of a specific scene in which the dancers showcased their abilities while utilizing water was towards the middle. Instead of simply pouring a glass of water, the dancers climbed, jumped, and lifted each other in order to pour water into a cup. In a way this resembled a fun drinking game, but to an extreme measure that I would not try at home. A very amusing factor of the overall performance was the lack of music on certain dance routines. I was impressed by their unity while dancing, especially since dancing to a specific song or beat usually makes a routine flow better, while at times they did not have a tune to dance along with. The audience could really tell how unified and experienced the dancers were through their confidence on stage. The overall music, sounds, and words enhanced the execution of the theme since without them the audience would be left confused and without a sense of fulfillment. Unfortunately, the costumes and hair did not make much sense with the theme, since they were dressed rather unstylish. I would have assumed they would dress more modern, since technology and social media is present in this new generation. Although, the modern aspects of the performance were displayed with the connection of the audience and the performance. For example, during one of the solo acts, the performer kept asking the audience if she is allowed to start over, as if we could rewind and restart the play. Also, the performers would watch each other as if they themselves were watching television or a video that has gone viral. These dances that they performed were compared to fad’s they have seen at the gym or a new T.V show. This made it seem as if dancing is an everyday action, we do it without thinking and it comes naturally, just like texting.
The work definitely challenged me to think in terms of new concepts in the use of basic dance elements of space, time and dynamics. It definitely did not fit into a typical dance performance, which I had expected. It was out of the box and the emphasis at connecting the audience through audio rather than just a visual display. Also, the fact that the dancers never exited the stage itself, signifies the informality and relatedness of the performance. Also, at times the audience members are forced to not only focus on the center of the stage but all four corners. It all started as chaotic and there were different dances and routines performed at the same time, but then the dancers form into groups and they become unified through the same routine. This was interesting to see since we are accustomed to viewing one certain routine, instead of different ones which forces the audience in absorbing every angle of the stage. In terms of space, it seemed almost every inch of the stage was utilized at one point throughout the show, which is a change in relation to viewing shows center stage.
Overall, the performance as a whole successfully relayed the messages and themes expected by the audience. These themes were relayed through an entertaining, funny, and aesthetically pleasing show. The positive reaction of the audience displayed through their laughter and applaud indicated the overall success of the piece.