A Review of Sagittarius A, Grant Doney

A Review of Sagittarius A

            A multimedia theatrical performance, Sagittarius A explores the power of a woman torn down in a patriarchal society. Starring Jennifer Payán as Ana and Catherine Correa as Dr. Amalia with supporting musicians and actors Liz de Lise (director, narrator, electric guitar, and bass synth), Jack Magai (wolf), Zeb Gould (guitar and lapsteel), Emmet Moeller (violin), Jeff Hudgins (saxophone), Jerry Huang (keyboard), Ed Prettyman (trombone), Griffin Smith  (vibraphone), and Ethan Solomon (French horn), the play tells the parallel stories of Sagittarius A, a star torn down by an envious and love sick wolf only to become the very fabric of our galaxy, and Ana, a performer existing in a modern day society which objectifies and harms her, as she grows stronger from her experience.

The show utilizes interpretive dance, recorded video, live video feeds, lighting effects, large billowing sheets attached to the performer, live music, and the architecture of EMPAC to show the transformation of both SA (the mythological star) and Ana. Acting as a guide, Dr. Amalia illuminates the audience (literally and figuratively) on the parallels between Ana and SA’s story. She interrupts the opening dance, a seemingly normal interpretive performance of mythology which lays out the groundwork of SA’s story (wolf, angered by SA’s superiority, bites off all her limbs only to see that she still has power greater than his own), by clumsily bursting into the theater asking if this is the Galactic Symposium. Dr. Amalia, contrasting heavily with Ana’s performance of elegance and beauty, proceeds to kick the performers off the stage to present her thesis on Sagittarius A, the super black hole at the center of our galaxy, breaking down the barrier between audience and performance which becomes utilized later.

Videos begin to play, detailing Ana’s life, inducing anxiety as the wolf watches from the bushes. Wounded and retreating, Ana must find strength within and build from her experience with the wolf, a clear metaphor for women empowerment in the face of adversity, highlighted by the power of menstrual blood as it gives Ana both the strength and courage to move on. A point, presented earlier, as SA’s limbless body let out a river of blood which gave life, something the wolf would never have the power to do. Ana, like Sagittarius, sheds what she was in a cataclysmic event, becoming more powerful, but forever changed in a way that can’t be forgotten. Sagittarius A’s pieces become the galaxy, as illustrated when Dr. Amalia asks the audience to turn on their cellphone flashlights and shine them towards the stage, creating the effect of stars on the live video feed. The final culmination of Ana and SA’s change comes in the form of an interpretive dance, paralleling the intro, where massive pieces of fabric breathe in rhythm with Ana as she dances, the center of a galaxy.

The performance was breathtaking, to say the least. A wonderful ensemble of music punctuated every moment, adding another layer of emotion whether it be the anxiety from harsh electric guitar riffs interrupting more classic and jazz compositions or the calming, reassuring strums of an acoustic guitar. The technology and audience participation didn’t feel forced or out of place, especially with the introduction of Dr. Amalia. The slightly distorted live video feed projected on the back wall created an interesting moment of decision on whether to turn around and try and find the performers or continue watching a lesser version, one seemingly distorted by the lens of technology. The effect of the breathing fabric was incredible, complementing the themes of power and elegance in the story line well.

The music, on occasion, struck me as distracting, however, specifically when there were lyrics. While the singing was beautiful and worked well with the jazz/country mix, the lyrics were so horribly on the nose it pulled me completely out of the experience. The wolf mask was also comically bad, especially for a show with such a high production value. Otherwise, an excellent and enjoyable experience with a strong message. It’s obvious that everyone involved put a lot of passion and hard work into this project.