Review: One-Night-Only Pygmalion and Galatea Reveals the Best of SYNETIC THEATER

When defining theatrical productions, people like to break down the categories into two basic camps: plays and musicals. Anyone believing those two monikers are the only labels for modern theatrical productions have never witnessed a show like that put on by Synetic Theater in Arlington, VA. As the regions' premiere physical theater, Synetic continually pushes the boundaries of what can be on stage. This statement rang true during Tuesday's one-night-only engagement of Pygmalion & Galatea created by Founding Artistic Director Paata Tsikurishvili and his wife, Co-Founding Choreographer Irina Tsikurishvili. This powerful and highly stylized performance reveals all the best qualities of Synetic.

When people think of Pygmalion, the first thought is typically of the George Bernard Shaw adaption or the even more famous Lerner and Loewe musical, My Fair Lady. Paata Tsikurishvili and Nathan Weinberger throw the story further back to its Grecian roots. Doing so allows the story to take form in a more appropriate fashion for a company famous for their dark, atmospheric and often silent productions. While the inclusion of a subplot of jealous statues attempting to break up Pygmalion and Galatea seems a little on-the-nose when it comes to the creation of visceral drama, the production clips along at a serviceable pace that a small detour to darker depths isn't unwelcome.

Mr. and Mrs. Tsikurishvili play the titular characters, with each bringing a grounded realism to all of their emotions. Both are highly expressive performers who reveal their characters' thoughts with a simple look or small movement. While Mr. Tsikurishvili's Pygmalion creates Galatea out of a mound of a clay, there is an authentic intimacy to the actions-something which is often missing when couples play opposite one another. The remainder of the ensemble, portraying Pygmalion's statues that are overwhelmed with jealousy and thus try to destroy the couple, do a great job as well. Covered head to toe in a golden body paint, the ensemble have to work harder to let their facial expressions translate to an audience and, unfortunately, the effectiveness of their menacing nature is compromised because of their costuming.

Mrs. Tsikurishvili's keen eye for choreography is demonstrated multiple times throughout the performance. Each movement of the ensemble is meticulously planned with striking visuals that allow for the quieter moments to still have strong visual foci. Coupled with Phil Chartwood's simple scenic design, the ensemble can easily play with their levels so the audience's eyes can be drawn across the stage fluidly. Thanks to deft direction, there is always something to draw your attention to onstage.

There were many more moments of levity that could have been incorporated throughout the production. Even during some of the happiest moments in the show, the music provided by Resident Composer Konstantine Lortkipanidze always had a somber tone. Either lifting the music or providing a softer light than the moody shades of red and orange used by Lighting Designer Nicki Franklin would have helped the emotional journey hit more varied points. Thirty minutes is incredibly fast to tell an entire love story (particularly when you take out all words) and the technical aspects of this production could have varied more to provide a grander sense of varied tone.

In addition to the production of Pygmalion & Galatea, the evening served as a celebration of longtime Board Member Ina Milton and Founding Synetic Theater company member Philip Fletcher. Ms. Milton has continued to play a vital role in supporting and guiding Synetic Theater for more than 15 years. Mr. Fletcher has appeared in over fifty new and remounted productions with Synetic, where he has been nominated and won multiple Helen Hayes Awards. Both were honored with kind words and tokens of appreciation from their Synetic family.

If this production, as I suspect, is an indication of the rest of Synetic Theater's programming then I am kicking myself for not visiting this theater sooner. Originality, style and vision ooze from every inch of Pygmalion & Galatea. While grander productions seem to be a growing trend for theaters nationwide, it is nice to know that an intimate theater space, like Synetic, continues to call the D.C. area home-it plays a large role in enriching the cultural landscape even more.

Pygmalion & Galatea played a one-night-only performance last Tuesday. For information and tickets for Synetic's current production of Titus Andronicus (playing through May 27), click here. For Synetic's current and upcoming season information, click here.

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Sam Abney is a Washington, D.C. based arts professional. A native of Arizona, he has happily made D.C. his new home. Sam is a graduate from George Mason University with a degree in Communication and currently works for Arena Stage as a member of their Development team. He is a life-long lover of theater and is excited about sharing his passion with as many people as possible.

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