Kelly Hynek

November 22, 2015

DRAM 467
The Existential Imagination: A Dance Drama Response
Kenan Theatre Companys production of The Existential Imagination: A Dance
Drama was far more dance than drama, which makes it difficult to comment on the
designs integration with the story. The piece, conceived by faculty member Heather
Tatreau, briefly explored existential and feminist texts with an added component of dance
to further illustrate the numbers. I did not like it. The whole piece felt bizarrely strung
together, and all of the text did not necessarily fit with the theme. One piece in particular
that stuck out to me was the feminist text about pregnancy. To say I was extremely
uncomfortable would be an understatement, although discomfort is a feeling, and if art is
doing its job, then you should be feeling something.
In terms of the costume design, the costumes successfully provided a blank slate
for this bizarre piece. Mostly consisting of neutral basics and dance garments, the
costumes for Existential Imagination were understated and not distracting. One set of
costumes that did stand out for me were the gray outfits worn during the opening number.
Consisting of jersey camisoles with added tulle ruffles and Soffe shorts, these costumes
did not make any sense to me. Perhaps because of the strong brand recognition of the
shorts, it really just looked as though everyone had come from gym class. And the
assymetrical tulle appeared pointless, as it did little to class up the undergarments.
Instead, it appeared to be a detail added for the sake of adding a detail.
Overall, the costumes were there. They did not detract yet rarely added to the
piece.