Fight Girl Battle World
Directed by Mitch Golob
Produced by Infusion Theatre Co.
At Theatre Wit, Chicago
Sci-fi theatre piece long on technique short on plot and character developement
Fight Girl Battle World by Qui Nguyen is a strange and perplexing yet somewhat entertaining theatrre experience. It features manic fight choreography (by David Blixt), fine video projections (by Rasean Davonte Johnson & Anna Henson), witha massive futuristic set (designed by Dave Ferguson) and fine light (by Charles Cooper) and sound (by Stephen Patrick) with puppetry (by Kimberly G. Morris) and unique costumes (by Rachel Sypniewski). The staging and look and feel of this sci-fi work is more entertaining than the vague and confusing plot. This is a comic parody of Star Wars type films but done live on stage. Therein lies the problem: sci-fi live doesn’t work so well, yet the Infusion Theatre Co. sure tries hard to land the concept. It does succeed somewhat.
At just over two hours, Fight Girl Battle World is a tad too long since the storyline is a confusing and redundant. Cutting it to an 85 minute one-act would work best. The colorful costumes and the campy, in-your-face comic tones wears thin over two hours. But the energy of the cast is infectious making the show entertaining until the sheer length eventually wears us out. The camp tone dilutes the acting quality rendering many of the performances much to self aware to be credible. Michael Allen-Harris’ president Ya-Wi and Josh Hambrock’s LC-4 were the most effective players.
This futuristic tale has its moments but ultimately succeeds in wearing us out. I’m not sure who the audience is for this genre of theatre? The action and sheer effort will impress you, its just that the story suffers with all the neat effects, costumes and tones. if you like experimental sci-fi works, then Fight Girl Battle World may be you for.
Somewhat Recommended
Tom Williams
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2013
For more info checkout the Fight Girl Battle World page at theatreinchicago.com
At Theatre Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, Chicago, Il, tickets $25, 415 students & seniors, Thursdays thru Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 3 pm, running time is 2 hours, 10 minutes with intermission, through June 16, 2013
The undertaking seemed enormous and some of the puppetry, costumes and choreography were really great. Some really fine visuals and EV, played by Sheila O’Connor, was especially good. The creativity and hard work was evident. Not sure whether it was worth the effort though. Can Sci Fi and all these effects be done live and is the effort worth it? Not sure, but there were some tremendous moments, and I loved all the surprises. Perhaps some cutting to a one act could make the difference and help to sustain the better moments.
If you enjoyed She Kills Monsters at the Steppenwolf Garage, you’ll definitely enjoy this one. I think it’s better.