Reviewed by Asa Fris
ZJU Theatre Group
Through April 13
Modern Myths Awakened aims to provoke, shock, or terrify with vignettes inspired by ghost stories, urban legends, and psychopathologies. Writer, director and designer Charlotte Cocker creates an experience similar to a haunted house: dim lighting, suspenseful music and simulated violence and death.
Though imaginative, the repetitive nature of the vignettes, the constraints of the space, and the approach of the design makes Modern Myths Awakened predictable and unsuccessful in its attempt to thrill. The extreme content does provide an element of camp, which is entertaining, but I’m not sure this is the intent.
Each vignette is structured in a similar manner: a voice introduces a modern myth, then various ensemble members perform the myth, then a new myth is introduced, and so on. This sequence becomes repetitive, and the introduction essentially tells you what is about to happen, taking away suspense and uncertainty.
Often the myths are performed in one-two scenes, though a couple are three-four scenes, and they never end well for the protagonists. The reason the myths are split into multiple scenes is so they can ‘move’ from one location to the another. But this requires blackouts between each scene, which halts the momentum and weakens moments of suspense.
A few small boxes comprise each location. These boxes are placed stage left, and so are the only entrances, which means most of the action takes place stage left. Knowing where the action will happen means one is never surprised or caught off guard when monsters or evil-doers appear. This leaves the shock value of the piece to the design.
And some elements, such as floating glow-in-the-dark props, or vibrant red monster eyes, are interesting and creative, and the fake gore and grotesque makeup are quite unsettling, and contribute well to Cocker’s vision. However, the use of an AI voice of a little girl to introduce each myth is confusing, and the underscoring of each vignette is jarring and distracting.
Though the vignettes are horrific and extreme, the ensemble buys into Cocker’s vision with abundant energy and commitment. One of the most effective moments of the piece comes from a swell of their voices in the dark. One wishes there were more of these moments.
Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Sun., 8 pm and 10 pm; thru April 13. zombiejoes.com | urbandeath.com Running time: 45 minutes with no intermission
