Buddha – A Fantastic Journey
// February 17th, 2012 // No Comments » // Stage Play
Evan Brenner as the Buddha Photo credit: Phoebe Sudrow
by Marla Lewin
West Coast premiere at the Bootleg Theater
We spoke with John C. Reilly and Evan Brenner after the premiere last night of Buddha – A Fantastic Journey.
It is indeed an enlightening play, as the life of the Buddha is explored from his own words,. Siddharttha Gautam was born an Indian prince around 500 BC. He father controlled an empire in Northern India and fully expected that his son would take over from him. He was raised in extreme luxury in the king’s pleasure gardens shielded from the outside world. From an early age he was educated by the finest teachers and monks. It was determined that he could choose from two paths, the one of Prince and ruler of the world, or that of a Self realized monk and leader of a new religion. Siddharttha marries and then has a child at the age of sixteen. One day he leaves the palace with his retinue to visit another palace and happens to see a sick person for the first time. He realizes that there is suffering in the world. Days later when he sees a man killed and he discovers that there is death. These events have a profound effect on him. He determines that he must discover the truth about God and the human condition.
Through years of exploration, he ultimately finds the four noble truths, particularly that life is full of suffering until one lets go of attachments, and self cravings. He realizes his own nirvana, oneness with the light, and that it is in the oral teachings that he leaves that all can become buddhas. The play details the personal struggle, supreme enlightenment and horrific tragedy Siddharttha experienced during his life. After his death his words and teachings spread across the world and were embraced by hundreds of millions of people.
John said he was influenced by Paul Sills and his mother Viola Spolin from Second City in Chicago who originated the basis of improvisational theatre where he studied acting.
Brenner assembled the life of the Buddha from the original texts as a one-man play. “It’s no dry tale: the Buddha’s life stands among the great archetypal adventure stories,” said Evan.
Their techniques incorporate music into the theatrical experience. John said, “You have to give them some razzle dazzle.” John created the staging which truly allowed the audience the feeling of becoming enlightened along with the one man performer Evan. The simplicity of the cloth backdrop provided the serene atmosphere required but allowed for changes in mood to be defined. A two piece musical group provided the perfect accompaniment.
Evan clearly acknowledged John for his direction and that his idea of saying that Buddha was a man after all, was significant to translating his character on stage.
Evan said he was influenced to bring the character to stage after seeing a performance of “The Gospel of Mark,” also in Chicago. We all agreed there is something about bringing these great characters to life, it is inspiring to experience. After all, Aristotle believed the theatre can elevate the spirit, we highly recommend this show.
Brenner workshopped the play for two years before premiering it at Boston Center for the Arts in 2009 to rave reviews from the Boston Globe, Boston Herald and Boston Metro. Brenner has toured with Buddha to performing arts venues around North America including New York, Pittsburgh and Denver. Now he will be presenting it here in Los Angeles on weekends February 3 through February 25 (dark Feb. 24).
Highly recommended.
Performances: Feb. 3-25
Fridays @ 7:30 pm: Feb. 3, 10, 17 (dark Feb. 24)
Saturdays @ 7:30 pm: Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25
BOOTLEG THEATER
2220 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90057
Purchase Tickets: 800-838-3006 or www.thebuddhaplay.com
Admission: $30
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