Two forms of art collide on the Robinson Theatre stage as University Theatre presents “bobrauschenbergamerica,” a play based on the works of American artist Robert Rauschenberg.
Although based on Rauschenberg, an artist at the forefront of abstract expressionism and pop art, the play takes a unique narrative approach by presenting each scene as a collage of instead of a systematic story. The original play, written by Charles Mee, provides the audience with 43 scenes that are relatively unconnected. The same characters are present, but the story does not build upon each scene.
“It’s more of a collage that Rauschenberg made, so you, as an audience member, will be making your own connections,” said John Schmor, the play’s director. “It was definitely a couple of story arcs, but they aren’t traditional.”
Each scene in this “theater collage” is its own individual piece, richly layered with emotions and real-life themes. When combined, the final product is a story connected by themes of love, time, technology and more. Such an approach allows the production to address emotions that happen in our daily lives. Although the cast is grounded in the 1950s, wearing clothing from the era, the play tackles issues from all time periods, including current events.
“I think the play responds to current events, even though there’s an element of 1950s nostalgia in it,” Schmor said. “The thing about Charles Mee as a playwright is that he offers people these open-ended scripts that you can do things with in unconventional ways.”
Mee wrote the original story to mimic Rauschenberg’s artistic style. The artist was famous for an exhibition called “Combines,” which combined non-traditional things into one singular piece of art. Like the paintings that sample different materials, “bobrauschenbergamerica” samples different scenes to collectively create a complete play.
“It’s fantastic it can stay alive that way,” said Christy Vrtis, a University Ph.D. student who saw the play opening night. “It’s relevant that you can relate to it and works in the way we experience the world.”
The play, which runs an hour and a half, is able to stay relevant with the audience by combining solid acting, some lively music and dance, and well-written lines. What the audience will remember most though is the set — a colorful, interactive piece of art in itself that is constantly moving and changing.
“I like how colorful the play was,” said Taylor Rhoads, a University freshman. “All of the pastels were great.”
Like most art, the power of “bobrauschenbergamerica” lies in its visuals, sounds and overall beauty. It is something best seen for yourself rather than described in words.
“It’s really a crazy, fun different piece of theater. It’s not like any regular play you’ve seen. It has a lot to say about art in our lives,” Schmor said.
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