The Neo-Futurists. The Garden of Unearthly Delights - Le Cascadeur. 19 Feb 2015

 

A troupe of six very interesting and diverse young American thespians and a wonderfully eccentric concept borne of the traditions of good old improv.

 

This is a very Fringey Fringe show.

 

The actors attempt to perform 30 plays within one hour. The plays are chosen from numbers hanging on a line across the stage. Audience can call out a number and an actor will leap up, grab the number and a mini play or vignette will be enacted.  There are some wonderful ideas and some screwball ideas in the lineup: ‘What not to bring to a party (Kale Chips)’; ‘A neo-futurist 12 1.2 question meta-survey’; ‘Erectile Dysfunction’; ‘Why women aren’t funny’, and more.

 

There is a Saturday-Night-Live feeling of American humour taking risks in this show. Some things fall flat. Some are highly lateral. Some are utterly daring. There is lots to choose from. 

‘What I assumed people think I do when I tell them I’m a performance artist’ is a bit of a gem. The realisation of the thought is very fifties beatnik crazy.

 

‘The Neo-Futurists Demonstrate the World’s Most Bitchin’ Handshake’ showcases some pretty deft inter-actor co-ordination.

 

‘This and That’ is a brilliant little tongue-twisting variation on the Who’s-on-First routine.

 

And the audience is wooed and won by ‘An ever-changing collection of our experiences in Australia so far’. Those Americans are learning fast.

 

There is plenty of audience interaction. In one case, an audience member has to sit alone on stage and more or less emote. 

 

But these shows are not consistent. No two performances are meant to be the same. The little playlets are swapped around and there is a general air of speed and spontaneity, although one knows a lot of care and workshopping has gone into the work which, overall, has been created by one Greg Allen.

 

The performers show the proper skills of the trade. We learn a little about each of them. They are not ordinary - but neither is the Fringe.

 

Why we are given names on arrival, though, beats me. I sat there wondering what Ali Baba was supposed to do. Nothing, as it turned out. Phew.

 

The troupe managed to get through 29 of their 30 little playlets, some lasting a few minutes and some being quick gags.

 

It is an hour of surprises, fun, laughs, raised eyebrows and general good spirit.

 

Samela Harris

 

When: 13 Feb to 15 Mar

Where: The Garden of Unearthly Delights - Le Cascadeur

Bookings: adelaidefringe.com.au