Hive 3 is an event unlike any other. The standard “lay back and enjoy the show” is not found in the Vancouver’s Center for Digital Media where Hive 3 calls home; instead, audience members are encouraged to participate by way of acquiring prescriptions from people wearing lab coats, handing over their cell phone number or lining up to receive a key. When not watching a mini-play, or “playlet”, or figuring out which person to get a vinyl record from, audience members can drink and mingle, draw on the walls with felt markers, do some yoga, or make out with a stranger.
Sue Ellen’s Room (Felix Culpa Company) – In “Sue Ellen’s Room”, a 12 year-old girl with suicidal tendencies (her body reaching for knives then thrusting them toward her or grabbing a lighter and trying to set herself on fire) and her “imaginary friend” the Skunk. Spectators required to obtain a teddy bear in order to view the play and were quickly immersed in her world by sitting in children’s chairs in her room. We experience her experimental therapy with the Skunk and subsequent hilarity ensues when the Skunk’s aid comes to help and they communicate over what the girl’s real issues are. At one point, the dialogue seemed so ad-libbed, that the actor playing the little girl could hardly contain her laughter (though she quickly hid her face so as to remain professional).
The Interview – For this one, audience members were required to answer a series of “yes or no” questions, and then ask the interviewer questions themselves. “Do you consider yourself outgoing?” and “Have you ever had a near-death experience?” where among the queries. This playlet was of notable interest for its many visual characteristics: a typical monologue was followed by the actor walking on a treadmill in front of a projection screen, making it seem like he was walking through a field. The single actor was a soldier, retelling of some experiences he had while on duty. The audience is quickly reminded of their interview questions, as some of them are displayed on the projection screen, followed by images from the soldier’s memory. A green-screen and strategically placed camera in the bar area were other tools used in this play, which added to its many dimensions and poignant story.
Frisk (Neworld Theatre) – Be approachable. These were the most vital instructions when considering “Frisk”. In order to see the play, one must stand in the communal bar area and catch the attention of people wearing headphones. After a knock-knock joke and a breach of personal space, the audience member is escorted to a room where they don the headphones and continue with the theme of becoming acquainted with their neighbour, no matter their friendliness or not. Followed by a massage and some frisking skills, the audience returns to the lobby area where they become the pursued, keeping eyes out for their prey.
Neworld Theatre's "Frisk" at HIVE3. Photo by Milan Radovanovic
Speak Please a Moment (Theatre Replacement) – Between plays, spectators can walk into the on-going Speak Please a Moment (a.k.a S.P.A.M.). First, though, they’re encouraged to leave their cell number with the usher so one of the two actors, seated at desks, can call. This is where the goal of having a meaningful, or at the very least intimate, conversation is met. This writer found herself telling an entire room of strangers undisclosed details regarding – ahem – flatulence, as well as the fact that she “enjoys the scent even a teeny bit.” A survey was immediately taken after she so bravely and honestly answered the question and found that all but one other person in the room shared her peculiar fondness of fragrance.
Don’t miss out. Hive3 runs until March 20 at the Centre for Digital Media Studies, Great Northern Way Campus. A couple words of advice: get there as soon as the plays start and be approachable. And act fast, Friday and Saturday nights are sure to sell out.
TigerMilk Collective's "You're Invited" at HIVE 3. Photo by Milan Radovanovic