The Red and Black

Issue date: 2/1/07 Section: Out & About

BForget everything you know about conventional plays, and learn the three rules of Forest Theater of Pure Form.

First, every audience member is required to wear a fur hat.

Secondly there's no clapping allowed.

Instead, as the third rule requests, audience members must use musical instruments in place of applause (no talent necessary).

The hat can be your own or purchased through the venue, but either way it is a necessity.

Acceptable musical instruments include recorders, xylophones and trumpets. If you don't own these items, there is no need to worry - the cast will provide them for you.

Located at Rubber Soul Yoga Revolution on Pulaski Street in downtown Athens, "Dainty Shapes and Hairy Apes" is a unique, groundbreaking play that will be presented throughout February at 8:30 p.m. each Saturday.

Directed by Cal Clements, "Dainty Shapes and Hairy Apes" stands out from other productions, especially with its audience participation worked into the performance.

"Everyone can be involved. It's not just about entertainment," said Kate Morrissey, an actress from Athens starring in the play. "A sense of nourishment can be gained from it."

Clements said the play can be described as a form of evolving theater - something than can be accepted among the artsy crowd in Athens.

"It began as a brainstorming session, and eventually grew into something solid to sink our teeth into," he said. "It became more ambitious than we had envisioned."

Some may recognize Clements, who is also a former University comparative literature instructor, from his previous work with "Paradise Hotel," an innovative play that opened in Athens in 2004.

"Dainty Shapes" explores the difference between ideals and reality in a fresh and comedic fashion.

"It's a very funny, very frank exploration of sex, relationships and philosophy in a playful and accessible way," Morrissey said.

Laura Vaughn, another actress in the production, describes the basic idea of the play as the relationship between how people exist within themselves and how they exist in the outside world.

Vaughn also said the direction was essential in making this play a success.

"Cal's direction on acting is what makes this play stand out," she said. "It's a really interesting concept."

The venue suggests that guests try to get to the performance at least a half hour early to be guaranteed a good seat.

Guests who bring their own hat to performance - as part of the Forst Theater of Pure Form rules - will receive a discounted admission of $5 into the event. Other attendees will have to pay the full price of $10.

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