For the vast majority of our western world knowledge of Buddha and Buddhism is confined to knowing that it involves monks with shaved heads and saffron robes who meditate and chant and that it comes out of somewhere in Asia. So you have to have some sense of adventure to go and watch a one man performance entitled “Buddha – A Fantastic Journey.” But for those possessing that sense of adventure it will be about 75 minutes of pure delight.
Writer/actor Evan Brenner has developed a stage presentation about the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the Supreme Buddha that is thorough, warm, truly fascinating and richly entertaining. Gautama Buddha is believed to have been born a very privileged Indian prince about 563 BCE and having died around 483 BCE To learn the most accurate history of the life of Buddha Evan Brenner turned to the oldest Buddhist sutras. What he found was a familiar path of a man seeking enlightenment. You absolutely do not need to be a Buddhist to enjoy and appreciate this story. While based in historical fact “Buddha – A Fantastic Journey” takes the audience down a trail of adventure and drama and eventual enlightenment. It begins with the young prince becoming aware of human suffering and winds through a period of extreme asceticism so popular in that era. Eventually he evolves into a more reasoned middle way. He experiences numerous challenges including attempts on his life and periodic temptations from the devil. Every step is masterfully portrayed by Evan Brenner.
Booked as a one man performance, in truth that one man is aided by two very talented musicians throughout the show. Jaeger Smith and Sheela Bringi continuously enhance the atmosphere and feel of the production with their musical contribution
The set is simple but far from plain due in part to the combined genius of Lighting and Set Designer Francois-Pierre Couture and Stage Manager Meghan Hong.
The show is produced by Fonda St. Paul who has produced plays on Broadway and in Los Angeles. Interestingly she has produced reality shows for television which seems highly appropriate given that “Buddha – A Fantastic Journey” is arguably the ultimate reality show. She is about to release her second novel, “Forever Christmas Eve.”
Veteran film and stage actor John C. Reilly is the Director of the show and if the finished product is any measure, and it always is, he did a superb job in his directorial debut.
While this truly is the biography of the man generally considered to be the founder of Buddhism, a religion practiced by over a half billion people in the world today, it is definitely not Sunday school for Asians nor preachy in any way. It is very informational, yes. But it is also warm and witty and compelling and rich entertainment. Kudos to Evan Brenner for creating a very real masterpiece.
“Buddha – A Fantastic Journey” is playing at the Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057. Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm now through March 3, 2012 and a 3 pm performance on Sunday March 4th. Reservations and ticketing information is available at 1-800-838-3006
Please subscribe to this Examiner and tell your friends. You will also thoroughly enjoy this new release of great comedy that includes the classic genius of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis as well as the emerging talent of Allen Rueckert and Kari Irwin. Just click HERE: https://www.createspace.com/331837
Comments