Unconscious unfolds on stage in ‘Ersatz’ debut

Yisa Fermin, BC ’12, sticks her small foot out the theater door, and then her hand. The audience members lined up in the lobby pay little attention to the opening door until Fermin leaps outside in a neon blue blouse and silver shorts, sporting a white painted face and a feather in her hair. She then proceeds to communicate with the audience—using high-pitched squeals—reminding everyone to turn off their cell phones. Afterwards, she leads the bewildered and dazed viewers into the actual venue, giving them just a taste of what they should expect for the next hour and fifteen minutes.

With a beginning as strange and unexpected as that, viewers know right off the bat that NOMADS’s production of “The Leap of Ersatz!” won’t be an ordinary show. With no dialogue, but instead dancing, painting, videos, and music, the crew puts on a show almost impossible to fully understand, and yet breathtakingly beautiful all the same.

The protagonist of the play, Ersatz (played by sophomore Sean Barrett of Baruch College) frantically searches for meaning in a life of disillusionment. As he experiences his hidden memories and deepest desires while unconscious, the audience sees these same images acted out on stage, including a birthday party, love scene, and night club.

While none of the characters talk, the dancers, led by choreographer Dominique Nieves, CC ’12, perform slow dance medleys, expressing the surrealism and beauty of Ersatz’s thoughts through their movements.

As the main character, Barrett depicts Ersatz convincingly and with depth. His years of dancing experience show quite clearly as he lithely and effortlessly moves across the stage. His expressions of bewilderment, confusion, and heartbreaking sadness evoke a multitude of emotions in the audience.

Fermin transitions easily from the mischievous and vivacious child to the older and wiser lover. Perhaps enhanced by her impeccable costume and makeup, her characters are both understandable and enjoyable to watch.

Above and behind the stage is a large screen that continuously projects unintelligible video clips, organized by Victor Suarez, CC ’11, of the actors filmed beforehand and even of scenes from classics such as “Casablanca” and “Singing in the Rain.” While the video component is sometimes difficult to understand, Suarez is able to integrate the film with the play and add to the overall artistry of the production.

But the real star of the show spent all of his time backstage until curtain call. Alex Klein, CC ’12, wrote the music for the entire show, without which “The Leap of Ersatz!” would not be nearly as effective. With a poignant viola melody that permeates almost every song performed, Klein uses live electronics, a cello, a guitar, a saxophone, and an accordion to provide a range of music from a loud, intense blare to barely audible guitar strings. Cindy Gooden, CC ’10, accompanies perfectly on vocals.

This play is not for those who like mundane convention and witty dialogue. “The Leap of Ersatz!” provides a surreal experience for the viewers while displaying the work of some of the most talented artists on campus.

NOMADS’s “The Leap of Ersatz!” is showing at the Diana Center Black Box on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. with an additional 2 p.m. show on Saturday.