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A Taste of Broccoli
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Mary DeBerry
February 22nd 2008 |
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Always on the lookout for new artistic experiences in my life, I recently checked out a theatrical presentation called a "Monologue Show". It sounded interesting, even though I wasn't exactly sure what it was.
 The experience resulted in an explosion of creative discovery for me. A dozen actors sat in a semi-circle of chairs on a blank stage at the back of the new bookstore, Book by Book, at Hope Artiste Village. Kevin Broccoli, the creative force behind the show introduced each actor before they delivered their monologue. Each was a character with a particular problem or very strong point of view. No costumes or set pieces were needed. The quality of both the talent and the material leapt off the stage as each actor stepped forward and inhabited their character.
Just as a sampling, the parade of inner thoughts included a dog owner who detailed, with mixed emotions, the distinct personalities and quirks of each of her pets. A passionate, jilted lover gave his ex "what for" when he came crawling back one more time. A distraught sister gave a chilling twist on filial love to her sibling.
This show was something new and exciting. I loved this show! It was fresh, original, diverse, entertaining, and inclusive. Definitely "outside the box". The monologues were from men and women, gay and straight, young and old. The performers included actors from many different theaters throughout the State of Rhode Island. Collaboration across groups is not a highly sought out activity when it comes to artists in Rhode Island. Kevin Broccoli, the hugely creative mind behind the "Monologue Show" (and a cornucopia of other works) is blessed with a global insight and fearless confidence well beyond his 25 years. He wanted to pull actors in that he knew from all different venues.
Broccoli started shattering barriers well before he graduated from Rhode Island College. On campus, there were not a lot of opportunities to shine as a solo actor and be noticed. Kevin realized that if no one else was going to present him with the opportunities he was looking for, the key was to create them for himself. He realized he had to take responsibility for his own education. In fact, that is the one piece of advice he gives - if there's something you want (as a student) you have to go get it.
Broccoli self-designed his double major: Theater Performance, and English - with a concentration in Non-Fiction Creative Writing for Online Media. "No one had used blogging before the way I did," says Broccoli. "I feel as if I'm writing for the ADD generation, so short pieces are easier [to digest]." Broccoli blogs daily on Facebook, on blogspot.com creating monologues, writing opinion pieces, and just for fun, he also writes a completely fictitious blog at www.cattybitchyqueens.blogspot.com.
Broccoli also went after these "self-designed" shows because he knew that singers on Broadway, for example, did Reviews - had the chance to perform their signature songs solo and Broccoli thought actors should have that kind of opportunity too.
One summer he asked if he could use a little on-campus theater that was standing idle. He got permission, gathered a few of his friends together, and they performed his first original show. The first one had extra motivation behind it since his friend, Rebekah Zacinski, wanted to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Although Broccoli insists that he sees himself first as a performer and writing is a tool he uses to attain his goals, he is indeed a brilliant and prolific writer with his own distinct style.
On February 26, 27 & 28 at 8pm at the Hope Artiste Village, Kevin Broccoli will perform his latest "Monologue Show" solo. Titled, Burn Every Bridge, Broccoli wrote it as a fundraiser for the May stage play Broccoli and Leann Heath are producing along with director Bob Colonna, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. It will be the first time "Judas" is performed in the state of Rhode Island. It will be presented by Breath Productions.
So go out and get a taste of something new and refreshing on the last weekend in February with Kevin Broccoli's Burn Every Bridge. Suggested donation at the door $10. Says Broccoli, "this solo performance is about the ties that bind, and how we break them. It's about speaking the truth, and paying for it. It's about trekkies, poets, nannies, bad art, bad words, karaoke, a zebra, and a giant watermelon. It's about bridges--and why it's not always a bad idea--to just let 'em burn."
Then go back for another course in May with the fascinating Last Days of Judas Iscariot. Broccoli presents a veritable feast for the artistic senses.
Photo by: Eric Scott Bloom (Modartist) |
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