Inferno

Squonk Opera

Avant-garde art group Squonk Opera defines… Inferno

Squonk Opera

Avant-garde art group Squonk Opera defines itself as “treading a fine line between avant and populist, [the group] is an eclectic combination of formal training and a surreal bohemian sensibility driving an aesthetic that challenges categorization.”

Much of this statement is true. While formal training is prevalent, the bohemian sensibility seems a little overboard and confusing – although credit must be given to experimentation and an unusual art form.

“Inferno” was an outgrowth of “Burn,” performed in November and December 2001 at City Theatre. “Burn,” inspired by writings by Dante, was the show from which “Inferno” grew.

Squonk Opera’s “Inferno” is a descriptive product of Centralia, Pa.’s problem with coal and mining and the city’s progression toward lackadaisical attitudes in the town. The release of the CD was celebrated with a performance at the Rex Theater earlier this month.

On the stage, a tiny town and wooden instruments were set up at center stage. There was a large movie screen behind the set and throughout the show scenes of flashing fire, fighting, a man and a dog playing tug of war and a person walking on stilts were projected. I found myself searching to make the connection.

The true talent was found in the hands of the musicians – not the total package or the presentation of the Squonk. Talented musical director and Squonk Opera promoter Jackie Dempsey had hands of gold on the piano and accordion. The accordion warmed the room, being the first instrument heard at the Rex and on the CD.

Maybe it’s taste, maybe it’s opinion, but when it comes to music, when the word “Opera” is included in the group’s name and when the subject matter references Dante’s Inferno, some viewers – myself included – expect a presentation with a little more consistency. Perhaps a storyline that is easy to follow or maybe something with a little more beauty and well-rounded talent. However, despite the obscurity of the production, there were thought-provoking moments of depth and lucidity in the production.

The presentation of “Inferno” supports the release of their new CD of the same name. Inside the CD jacket is a cast list: Jackie Dempsey as Pale Virgie (in a wedding dress), Nathan Fay as Father Seamus Finnagal (a priest robed in black and red who yells, “God bless yinz!”), Jody Abbott as Beatrice (the waitress), Steve O’Hearn as “Big Bob” Blackspittle (costumed as a fly with antlers), Joel Mason as Don Alegurski (an average Don), Kevin Kornicki as Lenny “The Lizard” Luchenko (the lizard). Above these cast-costumed group of six is the phrase “Each one here wraps himself in the thing that burns him.”

“The Thing that Burns” describes that inside of every person is a burning instinct – something that one cannot hide from and yet something that each character wore as a costume or on his or her face.

There were moments of melodic tones and fluid movements. There were moments that sent the audience members roaring – Beatrice, the waitress, rushing around the audience with a piece of steak on a stick, the rubber blow-up doll being passed throughout the audience as -something to be idolized.

To sum up this show: A red lizard and a fly fight, a guy strips down to his boxers and puts antlers on his head, informing the audience that we are all sinners, (didn’t we know that before?), and scarce moments of lovely music. However, props for trying something new. It was at least a night of reflection, and the CD will let us think about it for a while longer.