LIVIN' LA IMPRO LOCA
BATS Theatre, The Random Stage, 1 Kent Tce, Wellington
23/10/2018 - 23/10/2018
Production Details
New Zealand’s very own Spanish-language improv company brings an incredible bilingual event to Wellington! Improvisors from Impro Teatro along with NZIF ensemble guests will create never-before-seen magic in multiple languages. Will they get their wires crossed? Will they find common understanding? Por que no los dos!?
Director Matias Avaca was born in Mendoza (Argentina). He has been involved in the Improv world since 2013, when he joined the project called “Liga Mendocina de Improvisación”. This project is to date considered the “biggest Improv show in the world”, with a cast of over 100 actors. Once settled in New Zealand, Matias started a project called “Impro Teatro Nueva Zelanda”, an Improv group made up by Spanish speaking actors. In parallel, Matias joined The Cover Theatre and performed as part of the 2018 NZ International Comedy Festival.
The Random Stage at BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Terrace, Wellington
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
9:30pm
TIX $14-20 – BOOK NOW!
Theatre , Improv ,
1 hr
Delightfully disorientating
Review by George Fenn 24th Oct 2018
A short form showcase which is performed in both Spanish and English. Our host El Jaguar, the only luchador improvisor in New Zealand, deftly flits between the languages, athletically riling up the two separate audiences of Spanish and mostly monolingual English speakers.
It is a format that relies on both an informed audience and an ignorant audience. This split in audience knowledge creates a cascade of applause as the crowds take turns to laugh – then to laugh again at the others’ laughter, etcetera.
I find myself leaning forward. Having ended my Spanish education in Year 10 I am surprised with how much I am able to glean from the words alone. Keeping up with the action is stimulating for my brain, the audience is forced to engage … It is quite exhilarating.
The games are based around physicality to accommodate both crowds, with big physical offers from the players to support this. As well as helping to present what is actually happening in the Spanish scenes, this also provides fodder for inaccurate translation signposted by the giggling Spanish speakers.
I find myself laughing along by the end, at my own confusion as well as on the action. Delightfully disorientating.
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