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‘This is Not a Pipe Dream’ explores comedy for all ages |
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Thursday, 27 September 2007 |
 “This Is Not A Pipe Dream,” a coming-of-age comedy that explores the dreams of the artist Rene Magritte, premieres Oct. 3. Alisha Park
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by ASHLEY BENNERS
Lifestyles Reporter
What does it really mean to be an artist? How essential are words for expressing ourselves?
These themes, among many others, are explored in a play targeting young audiences titled “This is Not a Pipe Dream.”
The department of theatre and dance will present the show Oct. 3-6 at 7 p.m. and matinees will be performed Oct. 6-7 at 2 p.m.
Barry Kornhauser’s play explores the dreams and wishes of renowned artist Rene Magritte as a young boy.
As a child his father tells him that his desire to become a painter is merely a “pipe dream.”
He perseveres and becomes a painter who works with the style of
surrealism to understand the world and communicate with it. This
production is suitable for audiences age 8 and up.
“The play is like Magritte’s paintings, surrealistic,” said Director
Theresa E. Lee. “We are also borrowing elements of silent film
comedies.”
“It’s really more of a children’s play,” Stage Manager Jordan E.
Fleming said. “The show is a great learning experience without being
too preachy.”
The show will be performed twice for 5th and 6th graders and a study
guide will be sent out for the teachers to supplement the play.
“One of the reasons it’s so great for not just kids but people of all
ages is because it is a coming of age story,” said Fleming. “Magritte
is around 15 years old, and the play focuses on his relationship with
his parents and the realizing and pursuing of a dream.”
The poly-tech set, inspired by Magritte paintings, incorporates projection techniques using still images of the paintings.
“Creating the set has been really fun,” Fleming said. “It gives the audience something to look at while the scene is going on.”
With over 200 sound cues, Lee described the show as a “sensorial adventure.”
“This play has been such a challenge on so many levels,” said Lee. “Not
just physically, but also with character development. It’s like
Keystone Cops meets Cirque du Soleil. We really just want the audience
to come play with us for an hour.”
“This is Not a Pipe Dream” costs $6 for students and Appalachian State affiliates and $10 for community members.
“This play has it all,” Fleming said. “A great cast, it’s energetic, and incredibly funny.”
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