The Gene Frankel Theatre’s production of “Dali’s Dream” is nothing short of an eye-catching performance that really reminds you how weird and untraditional theatre can be. “Dali’s Dream” is a show about the famous artist Salvador Dalí’s obsession with Doctor Sigmund Freud and the psychiatric patients he treated. The show revolves around Dalí visiting Dr. Freud’s facilities (seemingly in a dream) and observing the patients in order to understand their different processing abilities and lifestyles. Through his journey at the facility, he begins to discover his own personal demons, leaving the question to the audience of whether or not he himself is a patient.
Dalí is an unreliable narrator. Although he doesn’t narrate the play, we follow him throughout it and, in a way, are following his stream of consciousness as he processes what he is experiencing. I found this play to be very avant-garde, as the play uses untraditional methods like irregular body movements and songs to create the show’s atmosphere. As an actor, I was amused by the actors’ unique abilities when it came to portraying their characters. I was specifically impressed by the patients’ acting abilities, as they each were able to portray their character’s personal conditions in a way that felt natural while also not mimicking the other patients, avoiding any repetition within the plot. Additionally, each actor was really good at engaging an audience and filling the space with their characters. I never felt like the stage was missing action or dimension.
The stage design was also very interesting. The three walls encapsulating the space were painted with various backdrops to display the different settings in which the plot took place. Moreover, the backdrops aligned with the dialogue. As the Doctor talked about time and nature, there was the fitting backdrop of an egg clock and forest. I believe the set itself was tastefully done to match the craziness of the plot. The hand chair and odd metal poles had me intrigued with the space and what the actors would do with it.
This comedic and innovative play was an unexpected yet enjoyable watch. “Dali’s Dream” might not be for everyone, as the untraditional and eerie atmosphere could confuse some. But if you are interested in exploring new types of theatre and are into more camp-style media, this is a perfect play for you. Take a friend or family member on a night off, and relax for a couple of hours while you watch this silly and tasteful play!
Purchase tickets HERE to see “Dali’s Dream” at The Gene Frankel Theatre through April 27th!
Check out our Q&A with Lisa Monde, Writer and Co-director of “Dali’s Dream.”
