Not a word is spoken. The 90-minute performance by Trap Door Theatre is staged with music, recorded song and occasional dialog, but the seven actors say nothing. The production is Le Bal, not so much a play as a revue that explores the social, political and cultural turmoil of the last American century. Stephen Buescher adapted Le Bal and directs this performance, which is devised by the actors and crew, and inspired by the 1983 film Le Bal, by director Ettore Scola.
Trap Door’s program includes historical notes by dramaturg Milan Pribisic. The dramaturgical timeline starts with the 1930s and moves through the drama of post-WWII, 1980s activism in Chicago, including the AIDS epidemic, early 2000s unrest, and 2020s social fragmentation and political upheaval. Le Bal portrays these topics in a non-linear fashion.
Cast members make quick costume changes and abruptly switch moods from somber to celebratory to rage-filled. The seven actors (none have names in Le Bal) are Dan Cobbler, Genevieve Corkery, Cat Evans, Emily Nichelson, Gus Thomas, Jasz Ward, and Carl Wisniewski.
Props changes also happen swiftly, and range from political protest and labor picket signs, to pink pussy hats, portraits of lost service members, flying paper suggesting a financial crash, an ironing board that becomes a bar and then a dining table. Sound effects include a speech by FDR, a 1940s radio rendition of “I Can’t Begin to Tell You“ by Bing Crosby, calls of “We shall not be moved,” and “I can’t breathe.” Genevieve Corkery also plays a short solo on her bassoon.
Le Bal is an amazing and sometimes puzzling mix of sound and choreography that is never boring. Director Buescher and assistant director/choreographer Miguel Long and cast keep the audience guessing as to where they will go next, until the bitter and violent ending. (What else would you expect in this country?)
Set design is by Merje Veski with lighting by Richard Norwood. Danny Rockett is sound technician. Costumes are by Rachel Sypniewski and makeup design by Syd Genco. Taylor Mercado Owen is stage manager.
Director Stephen Buescher is a member of the acting faculty at the University of California San Diego and has directed numerous plays at the American Conservatory Theater and in many European countries.
Le Bal is an Italian-French-Algerian film directed by Ettore Scola. It’s set in a dancehall in Paris with a cast of about two dozen female and male performers, who meander into the dance hall one by one as the film opens. A live band is on stage throughout the film. The story line covers 50 years of French history from 1936 to 1983. The same actors and musicians appear in each scene, with costume, hair and dance styles to suit the era. You can view this film (free) on YouTube.
Le Bal continues at Trap Door Theatre, 1655 W. Cortland Ave., through June 20. Running time is 90 minutes with no intermission. Performances are Thursday-Saturday at 8pm with two Sunday matinees at 3pm on June 7 and 14. Tickets ($32 with 2-for-1 admission on Thursdays) and more information are available here or by calling 773-384-0494.
For more information on this and other productions, see theatreinchicago.com.
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