Small Mouth Sounds

Small Mouth Sounds

The Pershing Square Signature Center

July 3, 2016

Photo courtesy of Small Mouth Sounds

Small Mouth Sounds, written by Beth Wohl, follows six people during a week-long, silent retreat.  Each character’s story is revealed with little to no speaking.  They each sign up for the retreat for different reasons, ranging from seeking enlightenment or inner peace to grieving over a loss or conquering a serious illness.  Each is changed by their silent experience, though not necessarily the change they signed up for.  Director Rachel Chavkin skillfully weaves subtle detail with bold gesture, allowing this fearless ensemble to create truthful moments and achieve a dramatic arc with very few words.

Photo courtesy of Small Mouth Sounds

The set design, by Laura Jellineck, seats the audience on two sides of a long rectangular playing area.  Seated in the same folding chairs as the characters and enveloped by video (designed by Andrew Schneider) and sound (designed by Stowe Nelson), audience members become additional participants in the retreat.  The beauty of this design is that the Teacher’s lessons, humor, and disorganization are experienced directly, as well as through the bonding with the characters.  This effect heightens the emotional connection to the journey of the characters by personalizing the content of the teachings through the individual point of view of audience members.  

Small Mouth Sounds is a unique and daring concept that delivers an unexpected outcome.  This Ars Nova production showcases very strong performances by Max Baker, Babak Tafti, Brad Heberlee, Marcia DeBonis, Quincy Tyler Bernstine, Zoe Winters, and  Jojo Gonzalez.  Bess Wohl’s script is bold, funny, and daring.  The show runs through September 25 at the Pershing Square Signature Center.  If you are in the mood for something totally different, check it out. 

  

Domenick Danza