The play Sh** & Champaign by D’Arcy Drollinger can be viewed as comedy which contains main unexpected twists of the plot. Moreover, this play includes many engaging and captivating characters. Its theatrical adaptation was staged by the performing group called Rebel on March 23, 2014.
This literary work is aimed at showing that person should not give way despair, even at the time, he/she has to struggle against insuperable odds. These are the main aspects that should be examined in greater detail.
It is possible to say that the director was able to create a lively atmosphere that could catch the viewers’ attention. To a great extent, this goal was achieved with the help of disco music which was popular in the seventies and eighties.
Furthermore, the directors preferred a minimalist design of the scenery. This approach made the audience focus on plot development and actors’ performance. Moreover, lighting helped the spectators to see every detail of the scenery.
One can say that the scene reflects the minimalist atmosphere of films noir. The authors do not try to depict the interior in a realistic way. For instance, the performers reduce the use of furniture to the minimum. In most case, there are only tables and chairs.
Additionally, the use of lighting is effective because it enables the viewers to trace the movements of actors. Furthermore, the costumes worn by the actor reflected the fashion trends adopted in the eighties. Additionally, the sound assisted the director in showing the transitions between different parts of the narratives.
It is possible to say that each of the actors was able to cope with his/her role. To a great extent, they were able to create a unanimous ensemble, and their actions were well-coordinated. Furthermore, there were no performers who could not fit this ensemble. Moreover, the movements of actors and their voices were always consistent with one another.
It is possible to distinguish some outstanding performance. For example, I can mention the actress who played the played the role of Champagne. I would like to speak about those moments when she encounters various criminals. In my opinion, this actress is able to produce the impression of being strong and fragile at the same time. This is one of the reasons why her performance can be distinguished among others.
Overall, it is possible to say that the stage was comfortable balanced and the audience did not have any difficulty in observing every detail of the scene. Furthermore, this adaptation of the play does not contain any details that seem distracting.
In my opinion, the director was able to render the message that the playwright wanted to convey. In particular, he was able to illustrate the inner world of Champaign who can be strong, humorous, and tender. Furthermore, there were no out-of-place elements which can impair the viewers’ understanding of this play.
On the whole, this theatrical work can be distinguished due to its plot. As it has been said before, the plot contains a great number of twists and in many cases, they can make the audience laugh. Moreover, the performers can make subtle references to the contemporary culture and society. I think that this technique makes the performance even more interesting. This is one of the reasons it should not be overlooked by spectators.