Nature Theatre of Oblivia: A response from The Vertical Side Show

Nature Theatre of Oblivia

Presented as part of the In>Time 2019 Performance Festival

24 February 2019, Links Hall *

Performed by: Mikko Bredenberg, Alice Ferl, Timo Fredriksson, Anna–Maija Terävä and Annika Tudeer

Photo Credit: Daniela Wolf

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A human landscape stood steadfast.

Microcosmic, yet somehow vast.

The fog rolled in and their eyes would glisten –

“The Earth has music for those who listen.”=

A chorus of birds chirped nature’s hymns.

Through ten emergent, outstretched limbs,

Five artists rooted in reverence

to Nature’s grand experience.

A satori filled with flora and fauna –

A short story that hinted at true nirvana.

The deer, and frogs, and feathery fowls,

Would croak, and squawk, and hoot, and howl.

Then unexpectedly and awesome,

The landscape changed and their world had blossomed.

Tableaus were nearly encyclopedic,

From stark, to wild, then to comedic.

The point where nature and technology met,

Is where we found our zen quintet.

And just as quickly as they raised the sun

They let it set and our day was done.

We took their cue on this winter’s eve,

and moved to make like a tree… and leave.

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The Vertical Side Show: From the creative mind of the 2013 International King of Burlesque, Ray Gunn, comes The Vertical Side Show – an immersive, theatrical mash-up of burlesque, drag, circus arts, live music, dance, and comedy. With inspiration taken from story-based spectacles like Circque Du Soleil and classic ballets, this site-specific show surrounds the audience and immerses them in an unpredictable line-up of performances. Each Vertical Side Show presents a new story, ranging from the absurd to melodramatic, through a Dr. Seussian lead narrator and a band of talented misfits. The Vertical Side Show presents its work at Links Hall as part of the Pay-the-40th-Forward season.

(*) PRJ is partnering with Links Hall to celebrate their 40th anniversary by providing a platform for artist-to-artist responses to the work that is presented as part of the Pay-the-40th-Forward season. Thank you, Links Hall, for all that you do for the dance and performance communities in Chicago. Congratulations on 40 years!