Sophisticated, universally appealing and highly entertaining for all ages, Imago Theatre’s FROGZ explodes onto the Diana Wortham Theatre stage, Thursday and Friday, February 13 & 14, 2014 at 8:00 p.m., with an incomparable combination of dance, mime and acrobatics. Ingenious masks, mesmerizing movement, outlandish costumes, and an original music score create a carnival of the absurd, presenting universal themes in works that tantalize the senses and intellect.
From creators who have been called alchemists, magicians, theatrical animators, and physical comedians, FROGZ blends acrobatics evoking Cirque Du Soleil with Mummenschanz-style mime and puppetry, set in a unique—yet accessible—French-influenced avant-garde playground. Animals take on human characteristics and inanimate objects like slinkys engage in silly humanistic movements. Penguins play musical chairs, larger-than-life alligators taunt the audience, orbs run wild, and huge frogs leap about in a madcap revue of illusion, comedy and fun that has inspired audiences worldwide.
FROGZ has toured across Asia, Europe, Canada, and at some of North America’s most revered festivals and theatres including a two-year run at Broadway’s New Victory Theatre. Critically acclaimed around the world for its unique and engaging work, Imago Theatre was awarded the New York Dance Film Award and best Touring Production by Independent Reviewers of New England.
Founded in 1979 by Carol Triffle and Jerry Mouawad, Imago has been creating transformative theater that transcends boundaries traditionally associated with language, age and gravity (and other laws of the real world) for over three decades. Working out of a large 18,000 square foot theatre laboratory in Portland, Oregon, Imago’s ensemble of actors, dancers, designers, fabricators and musicians become alchemists seeking fresh perspectives on performance. Imago has developed a distinctly theatrical approach all its own, one that’s equal parts dance, design, circus, music, text, and illusion.
Asheville performances of Imago Theatre’s FROGZare made possible by Performance Sponsors Michael & Catty Andry, William Hilson & Nancy Houha, David & Dianne Worley, The Omni Grove Park Inn, and Wells Fargo Bank; with additional support from Media Sponsors The Laurel of Asheville, 880AM The Revolution, and News Radio 570 WWNC.