Metamorphoses hits VU with a Splash

Metamorphoses is a play that celebrates the body and the stage work of theater. The plot, at times may be hard to follow, but the visual effects this show has to offer will keep you fixed on the stage. With silk dancing and the artistic use of a pool in the center stage, Metamorphoses is show to be seen for its beautiful imagery.

The silk dancer, senior Brentlyn Schmitt, says that she practiced silk work over the summer saying, “Before this I couldn’t climb a rope.” Now she says she can do as many as 20 consecutive pull-ups. Schmitt’s training is evident as she has such grace as she soars above the stage, like a watchful bird over the scene. The aerial dancers made this production seem like something somewhat comparable to Cirque Du Soleil.

Aside from the silk, in center stage there is a pool which Metamorphoses uses as a integral prop in telling their Greek mythology. “The water eats up the sound,” said by Schmitt, but the pool adds to the intensity to the show. The pool is used as a grave, hades, healing, and corruption.

The plot of the Meta is a collection of greek mythologies that most people have heard, yet some stories shared are still taboo in today’s culture. The collection of stories are stitched together with narrators telling the tales, at the same time, some narrators have their own story to share, making the plot confusing to follow.

The set work of the play is simply stunning. Set designer, David Pecoraro and set designer assistant, Hayley Smith went through 20 different design concepts for the two side chandeliers alone. The walls in the back add as great backdrop looking like the night sky, with Christmas lights tastefully placed through the wall. Pecoaro and Smith aspired to make the stage simple yet elegant which they seem to have achieved aptly.

Overall, the production was a wonder to the eyes that kept you wanting more. The individual tales were greatly portrayed with disciplined blocking and stage. It is a great show to attend with your Vanguard friends, and even people who do not attend Vanguard, to show that the Theater department is continuing to push the envelope.