By MARY FLEMING
Dynamic diversity is the theme of “Here in America” at BYU this weekend. Robert Post combines comedy, mime and physical powers to captivate the audience in his one-man show.
Post’s performance style is unique to himself. His audience appeal doesn’t stem only from his comical dialogue. He uses props of all sorts to entertain in a new way.
In a delightful skit, Post dances with a one-piece (and bright orange) thermal undergarment. Attaching the foot holes to his own feet, he fills the cloth with life. Dramatically, he creates a partner dance that is surprisingly real. The enjoyment flows from this realistic aspect. In one portion, Post sneaks his arm through the thermal sleeve and wraps it around his own waist.
It is difficult to perform such a simple sketch. The performer must rely on new techniques to successfully entertain the audience. Post has no problem wooing his onlookers.
Post is also an accomplished mime. He begins the show with a mime skit depicting a stunt pilot. He uses his own voice to communicate the only sounds of the sketch: the roar of the airplane from all angles. Post manages to convey to the audience the pilot’s point of view and how the scene looks from afar.
Mimes and comedians are generally predictable, but Post kept the audience’s attention by his random stunts and original acts. He successfully combined dance, theater, physicality and mime to create a unique theatrical revue.
Post’s expressive facial movements in his mock puppet show was a marvel. Using his head as the puppet, Post takes us through an American life from birth to adulthood.
Another unique talent is displayed in his murder mystery skit. Post seamlessly changes simple costumes behind a black screen. Without a pause, he moves behind the screen as one character and emerges out the other side in a different wig. I marveled at his ability to change quickly without visible movement. Wonderment whispered and laughed through the audience during the entire skit.
The second half of the show is dedicated to “Private Zeno.” Zeno is a chef who pushes his little cooking cart all around Washington D.C. He comically makes strong statements about the government today and leaves much of the scene open to interpretation.
Post’s performance of Zeno was flawless. Juggling wooden spoons, sliding pans, tossing bowls, plates … you name it, he never missed a beat. A talented performance. Visually intriguing, intellectually funny and thought provoking.
Post was impressive for his original combination of all of the theatrical arts. A most ingenious mind to create such a diverse display of talent.
Post’s show “Here in America” runs through Saturday in the HFAC Pardoe Drama Theater. The performance begins at 7:30. Tickets cost $10 general admission and $8 for students. For more ticket information, call the HFAC ticket office at 378-4322.
