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Brehnan Gaspard

Professor Angela Innman

Introduction to Theatre

3 March 2020

Circle Mirror Transformation

Circle Mirror Transformation can be a very intimate and uncomfortable play. In

order to better convey this feeling of intimacy and uncomfortableness to the audience,

when I saw the play On February 28, the seating area was modified to where the only

seats available to the audience where either the seats right next to the stage or on the

stage itself, on either side of the performance. By forcing the audience to be very

close to the actors and play itself, it not only helped establish a closer connection to

the characters and events, but also forced the audience to step outside of their comfort

zone, enhancing the audience’s experience.

The play itself has seen critical acclaim. David Rooney of The Variety Magazine

had this to say on the character of Marty: “Anyone with experience of drama

workshops has had at least one teacher they will instantly recognize in Marty

(Deirdre O’Connell). Usually adorned with headscarf and oversize earrings,” a

description that also fits the Marty seen in this performance. He also said that the set

was “a perfect facsimile of a community center rec room, from the mirrored wall to

the institutional drapes to the kids’ poster art visible in the hall outside.”. While this

performance also perfectly emulated a a community rec room and also had a

mirrored wall, there were no drapes to be seen. Instead their were other common

objects found in community rec rooms, such as an exercise ball and mats.

Not only was this performance great, I feel like it was a great choice for fo the

TCC-SE’s theatre program, mainly due to it being set in the present day and it’s

realistic writing style. By having actors in training tackle a play with a setting and
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dialogue that feels relatable to their day to day experiences, it helps them get

comfortable with the art before they get into more complex and out of the box

performances such as Shakespearian plays and historical plays.

The actors themselves were wonderful, but my favorite performance was

Dietrich Calhoun as James. All the little details and movements he added, such as

shaking his head at Schultz after Theresa left the room in a rush to his slight

mannerisms and changes in expression depending on what character he was talking

to was a delight to see. In my opinion, he stole the show in every scene he was in.

However, there were some performances that still needed some improvement.

Particularly Kalumbu Tshibangu’s performance of Schultz. While he performed his

lines with great emotion, his mannerism and movement did not properly convey a

middle aged, divorced man. He felt more like a young adult fresh out of college. The

relationship dynamic between him and Theresa slightly suffered as a result of this. I

believe he needs to work on moving like a character rather then himself.

The costumes in this play were brilliantly put together. Marty looks like the

spitting image of a play director, and small things such as James green pants and

Lauren’s fashionable clothing helped to portray these character’s ages and

personalities very well. All in all, the costumes were one of the best parts of the

show.

The absolute best part of the show for me however was the use of lighting and

scenery. Every single prop was used in some way. The excercise ball and mats were

used in several of the “acting games” during the performance, and using the mirror to

allow the both Theresa and Marty and the audience to see Shchultz uncomfortable

face during the “pubic hair” discussion was brilliantly done. The clever use of lighting

in the end to portray the time skip was also a highlight of the performance, as the

fluorescent light of the rec room shut off and the only source of light was the two

spotlights shining on Schultz and Lauren.

The soundtrack was a great choice as well.

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Every song was not only modern like the play itself, but had lyrics that either

related to the themes of the show or what was going on in it at the moment,

sometimes even both at once. A great choice by the director.

Overall, TCC-SE’s performance of Mirror Circle Transformation was a wonderful

play that portrayed how people change through serf reflection and interactions with

their social circle’s perfectly (a circle mirror transformation, if you will). I believe that

with more experience and determination, these young performers might have a bright

acting career in their future. A solid performance not just by the actors, but everyone

involved.