Allentown, Pa. (March 29, 2021) ” In a theatrical event described by its creator as "a slowly unravelling ball of memory and physicality," six people attempt to help each other remember what theyve lost ” and what they had previously taken for granted. But by using the most ridiculous memorization strategies imaginable, they risk forgetting themselves and each other.
The third production of Muhlenberg Colleges Mnemonic Play Festival, "Run Glue Tree Pour Dive: A Re-membering" will stream live April 5-7. Creator Drew Richardson, a member of Muhlenbergs theater faculty, describes the play as ensemble-devised, often improvised physical theater. He emphasizes that physical theater does not equate to silence.
"We have built this piece with physical elements at the forefront," Richardson says. "That doesnt mean there are no words. It just means that actions and images come first."
Richardson is no stranger to physical theatre; he teaches a variety of movement based acting classes at Muhlenberg; ranging from Clowning to Michael Chekhov technique. He holds the distinction of being the first person in the 21st century to have new silent movies shown in major motion pictures theaters.
"We practice what we discover," he says. "Without separating body and mind, the actor can use more of themselves on stage to best express work that means the most to them and their society."
The ensemble has been training together while keeping in mind the "three Ps," Richardson says: playfulness, presence and physicality. He says the project is intended to stretch the actors physical imagination in the expressive use of space, characterization, and storytelling.
The title of the play comes from a memorization strategy that Richardson studied in his youth, which he used to recall the order of playing cards.
"When I was in high school I bought a book called How to Develop a Superpower Memory, and I got pretty good at it," he says. "Party tricks aside, engaging with my memory in this way has allowed me to be able to process and connect different aspects of my life. As an ensemble, weve been exploring the intricacies of our memories. What someone remembers says a lot about them."
"Run Glue Tree Pour Dive, A Re-membering" is the third production in Muhlenbergs mostly-virtual Mnemonic Theatre Festival at Muhlenberg, running through May. Information on all seven productions in the festival can be found at muhlenberg.edu/seeashow
"Run Glue Tree Pour Dive, A Re-membering" runs Monday through Wednesday,. April 5-7, at 8 p.m. (ET). Patrons can register to see the show at muhlenberg.edu/seeashow.