"PAGE TO STAGE": MOTHER ROAD'S "THE ODYSSEY"

Would an audience pay to attend the first read-through of a new production? If the experience of the Mother Road Theatre Company is any indication, the answer is yes.

On February 18, the new troupe successfully involved a live audience in the first rehearsal of its first production, David Farr's 2005 adaptation of Homer's "Odyssey." For $25, each audience member received two admissions: one to the initial read-through, and another to a performance on the opening weekend, nearly six weeks from now. Called "Page to Stage," the program engages spectators with the theatrical process as well as its end product.

During the first hour, the audience received an orientation to the play from Director Julia Thudium and members of her production team. They described their conceptions of the set, costumes, lighting, puppets, and music that will bring "The Odyssey" to life. Dramaturg Michael Dolce then gave a witty PowerPoint presentation on the history, mythology, and Mediterranean geography of the epic. Questions and comments from the audience were encouraged.

After refreshments, the cast read the play together for the first time. They and the audience, who also held scripts, sang David Farr's lyrics to the accompaniment of new music written for this production by Albuquerque composer Ernest Sturdevant. The read-through brought out the contemporary relevance of Farr's adaptation, which raises such issues as the displacement of populations by war, the detention of illegal immigrants by zealous homeland security officers, the racial stereotyping of asylum seekers, and the pitfalls of documenting identity ("I am nobody"). The
script has variety, pace, and humor; the language is suitable for all but the most fastidious ears; and the action will interest spectators aged 13 and up.

"The Odyssey" opens on March 28 and runs through April 20, with performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 p.m. and matinees on Sunday at 2 p.m. The venue is The Filling Station, an imaginatively converted garage at 1024 Fourth St. SW near Pacific. For information and reservations, call (505) 873-4831.

The "Page to Stage" format will also be employed in coming Mother Road productions. By next time, one hopes the Company will have streamlined the event so that it lasts less than three and a half hours. To participate in the program, add your name and e-mail address to their maillist at www.motherroad.org.

Meanwhile, I can hardly wait to see the bare bones of early rehearsal fleshed out when "The Odyssey" ventures onstage next month! - Hugh Witemeyer