Spotlight
Synetic’s Next Revolution As bold as ever, Synetic Theater returns with a groundbreaking virtual production of The Decameron.
T
HE DECAMERON BASICALLY IS DESIGNED FOR “We have 35 short stories, produced by 35 very talented community, it's meant for community,” says Paata artists,” says Tsikurishvili, who marvels at the virtual collabTsikurishvili. “I have to say I'm amazed how creative oration’s mix. “A few things are dance-based, a few are pupminds can really push the boundaries. There are so many differ- pet-based, a few are theater-based, a few are clown-based.” All ent styles and genres [and] such amazing works.” of it, ultimately, is very Synetic. “It’s amazing how much opporFor nearly two decades now, Synetic, the theater company tunity for Synetic’s very cinematic storytelling vocabulary there Tsikurishvili founded with his wife Irini, has helped shake up is in the digital [realm].” There’s even an interactive element, the Washington theater scene with its visually oriented, physical allowing viewers the chance to choose-your-own experience, theater-based reimaginings of classic works, particularly those whether proceeding through individual selection, with pre-crein its revolutionary Silent Shakespeare series — and earned 32 ated playlists, or serially over a 10-day period. Helen Hayes Awards in the process. Tsikurishvili relishes digital’s potential to reach new audiSynetic’s latest work reflects the current state of affairs, ences, and especially the opportunities to advance Synetic’s style which compelled the troupe’s team of artists to push them- of art. “Probably our next phase will be another kind of evolving selves in new ways and explore new ground just to stay active. and moving forward, making something bigger and better, so to “We jumped in the ocean and started swimming with The speak,” he says. Decameron,” Tsikurishvili says, noting that the work is the comThe company is celebrating its 20th anniversary next year pany’s first “designed-for-digital production,” and also the first and Tsikurishivili is hopeful that live theatre will be back in full of any kind since March. swing by that time. “I don't think we even need to The Decameron seems a perfect fit, right down to argue about it: There's nothing that can replace live Click Here its core: Giovanni Boccaccio created the collection For More Info theater,” he says. of short stories in the wake of the 14th Century’s The company will “come back and celebrate Black Plague, which still stands as the worst pandemic in human and continue” on stage, but will also continue to push its “new history. The Decameron focuses on a group of young Italians approach and new opportunities,” Tsikurishvili says. “I think it sheltering-in-place and entertaining themselves by telling tales makes sense to have a kind of hybrid approach with both verof all kinds. sions, digital and live.” —Doug Rule The Decameron starts streaming Wednesday, June 10, with a few stories added daily through June 19, and runs in full until at least June 30. Tickets are pay-what-you-can over $10. Visit www.synetictheater.org. JUNE 4, 2020 • METROWEEKLY.COM
5
