Wait until it gets dark (90 days of theater in New York)

Author: Xiong Yuwei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-10-01
Features: For an ordinary person, watching eighty-three performances might seem like an astronomical number, and this is what happened during his ninety-day trip to the United States. Moreover, the language barrier required him to spend a significant amount of time consulting dictionaries to research the background of each play. Additionally, he meticulously recorded and compiled his experiences and reflections from the eighty-three performances he attended in the United States, resulting in this work titled Waiting for the Sky to Darken. Nearly ninety sleepless nights contributed to the sixteen thousand words of this piece, which not only represents an artist's thoughts on theater but also embodies his dedication and passion for art.
Ten male and female actors each played multiple roles. The costumes ranged from ancient to modern, including nudity, but were not chaotic. The actors were of Caucasian, Japanese, and Indian descent, yet the scene did not feel disorganized. Some of the scene executions had a distinct touch of Eastern theatrical aesthetics. For example, the scene of Agamemnon sailing to Troy to reclaim Helen was very clever. Three actors, holding oars, sat in the pool frame and rowed with their oars extended in the water. Another actor used a thin rope to pull a model sailboat, making it move forward in the pool. The actor who should have stood at the bow of the ship performed while standing in the water. The three elements combined, using virtual and symbolic techniques, to poetically arrange a unique scene of sailing.
Next, they splashed water at each other, creating a shower of droplets, which represented the naval battle. This was truly where the scene followed the image, making the heavy seem light.