DADA Returns (20th Anniversary Edition) is a piece well worth revisiting. In its crazy maze of poetry and comedy, this gem from 1924 is a true mirror of today’s socioeconomic, geopolitical, and emotional crises. It also supplies the belly-laughs to help us cope with them. DC hasn’t seen anything this uproarious in years! The original cast are reunited (all superbly talented veterans), and the design – lighting, sound, set and costumes – packs a collective punch.
The evening begins with Manifestival, a collage of Dada manifestoes performed with almost violent hilarity and comedic chaos, which (almost) explains Dada in its own words –before moving along to the main course, Handkerchief of Clouds written by Dada leader, Tristan Tzara. Handkerchief is hilarious, gut-wrenching, irreverent and surprisingly relevant. An ironic, seemless blend of comedy, philosophy, slapstick, indescribable antics, and the human condition, is disguised as a love triangle that ends in a murder mystery.
DADA Returns is the forerunner of all experimental, avant-garde, and post-modern theatre, and this excellent production is highly recommended for all ages.
DADA Returns plays Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, from May 16 – June 23 at DCAC, 2438 18th Street NW, Washington, DC, (202) 462-7833 and at The Fringe Festival on July 17, 18, 20, 25, 26, and 29 at the GALA Hispanic Theatre at Tivoli – 3333 14th Street NW, in Washington, DC. (866) 811-4111.
Don’t pass up the event of a lifetime — this is the show you’ll be telling your grandchildren about!
LINK
Capital Fringe Festival website.
