Much like an actual visit to Burning Man, “How to Survive the Apocalypse” is a musical production with no obvious plan: you must experience what’s in front of you as it presents itself and just go with it. There is beauty you will be transfixed by and ugliness you will want to turn your attention away from. Sometimes you might not sure what’s going on, but it’s sure fun to watch.
A Burning Man blog describes it best: "The rock opera is a little bit Hair in that it tries to capture the zeitgeist of a movement, and a little bit Rent in the joyful exuberance that sometimes comes along with incredible hardship, and maybe a little bit Jesus Christ, Superstar in the way it touches your spiritual buttons."
My favorite line: "when we stop consuming, we create."
For those who are still in Playa withdrawl, you will enjoy this production. Reminiscent of Center Camp on the Playa, Teatro ZinZanni’s 100-year-old Spiegeltent is a perfect setting for this vaudevillian mutant musical. There are many “in” jokes like “shirt cocking” and "that terrible trance music” to give seasoned Burners a good chuckle.
For those that haven’t been to Burning Man, you will be hypnotized by the sexy costumes. Even though these people are a little cleaner than you might see on the Playa, the costumes are wild and pretty much right on in what you might see there. The score incorporates rock, vaudeville, choral and opera elements. Some voices are stronger than others, but there is as much diversity here as there is in the types of Burners.
The interactive and brilliant Rubik's cube at Burning Man in 2009
"How to Survive the Apocalypse" brings up many interesting Burning Man phenomenons. Two that I'd like to draw attention to is creative technology and voyeurism.
The creative technological aspect of Burning Man is represented by the character Geekbird, who's created, to say it simply, a digital sonic costume for the Playa. Geekbird is very excited to share his creation with those around him; some are bored, some are fascinated. This year at Burning Man, one of the coolest art pieces was a giant interactive digital Rubik's cube that took a team of four to solve (see picture). It was truly awesome and very clever.
There is also a moment when a character in full Burning Man costume gets angry at an on-looker (or pervert if we're being honest) for taking her picture. After looking at hundreds of Burning Man photos on flickr and facebook and blogs, I wonder if all those unidentified people would approve. Just a thought...
Note that “How to Survive the Apocalypse" includes partial nudity and “adult situations,” just like Burning Man itself. It’s interesting, for a seasoned people watcher, Burning Man is the ultimate people watching event. But sometimes you might feel awkward staring. But when the same subject is put on stage, you must look and watch. It’s what you’re there for.
"How to Survive the Apocalypse" has been extended yet another week! It is showing at Teatro Zinzanni October 5-7, 12-14 and now 19-21.
Like what you read and interested in all kinds of musical entertainment?
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Comments
Thank you for your kind words about Groovik's Cube; it was the product of ~70 people's dedication -- about 7000 man-hours. If you're curious about seeing pictures of the inside, see octopup dot org slash burning dash man . Feel free to direct any questions to me, barryb at gmail dot com .
.... saw it, loved it. it was filled with the joy of discovery, that heartpounding throb of physical, mental and spiritual first experiences.
besides the Opera was fun and it made me happy. couldn't ask for more, don't want anymore.
Maybe I will see you at the opera costume sale. I'm bringing my camera, speaking of being an opera voyeur.
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