During a recent talk, U.S. poet laureate Ada Limón was asked about Insta-poets (often looked down upon by the poetry establishment).
Instead of answering with cynicism, Limón responded with something akin to: I’m so excited for them. Yes, poetry. All of it.
Given Limón’s response, it’s fitting that in response to her book, The Hurting Kind, students at College of Marin devised a work of theater called Miracle Fish.
Devised theater is much like Insta-poets; it is usually done by artists early in their careers or those who do not want to conform to traditional theater. It is often met with derision. However, as this show proves, the correct reaction to any artist passionately creating art is: Yes, theater. All of it.
The ensemble of the show (Ciara Bailitz, Dominic Canty, Austin Graff, Salome (Sisi) M Parry Hansen, Sarah Liller, Tegan Mack, and Ceanna Saatsaz) put together a show about a woman searching for what love and belonging are and where poetry fits. Along the way, she meets Raven, an astute if questionable fortune teller—and three very large eggs.
A multi-faceted set by Austin Graff (mentor: Huda Al-Jamal), with beautiful light design by James Montellato (mentor: Michele Samuels), a haunting sound design by Landers Markwick and an intriguing (if sometimes jerky) projection design by Jorge Castillo showcase student theater at its best.
Some of the dialogue is heavy-handed, the projected poetry is distracting when actors get it wrong and things done on stage meant to be impactful sometimes lack the connectivity to be so. The storyline gets lost but wraps up mostly satisfyingly. Those are the exceptions, not the rule.
The ensemble gave fully committed performances and is best during comedic moments, especially Canty’s Gunter, who somehow makes a stereotype an endearing persona. They handle the gravitas with due diligence, particularly Liller’s Poet, who is grounded and even-handed. Overall, this is an excellent example of what devised theater can be: a beautiful ekphrastic homage to great poetry, and as always, it’s free.
‘Miracle Fish’ runs through March 16 at the Studio Theatre at the College of Marin, 835 College Ave., Kentfield. Friday-Saturday, 7:30pm; Sunday, 2pm. Free. Donations welcome. 415.485.9385. pa.marin.edu.
