Imagine walking onto a stage with no script, no rehearsal, and a 13-year-old director calling the shots. This is the reality for actors in “POV,” a groundbreaking theatrical production that’s turning the customary stage on its head. The show, created by the performance collective re:group, plunges actors into the deep end, exploring themes of childhood, parenthood, and mental health disorders with raw, unrehearsed emotion.

The Premise: A Teen’s documentary, Unscripted Drama

“POV” centers around Bub, a teenager making a documentary about her parents. Each night, two adult actors, unaware of the script, take on the roles of Bub’s parents, guided by a young actor playing Bub.This unique setup creates a meta-theatrical experience that’s both hilarious and deeply moving.

The actors, armed with only an email instructing them to prepare a Werner Herzog impression and wear comfortable clothes, must navigate the performance in real-time. The result is a captivating blend of improvisation and scripted narrative, where the unexpected becomes the norm.

Actor’s Perspective: Embracing the Unknown

Ewen Leslie, a seasoned actor with roles ranging from Hamlet to Richard III, described “POV” as a unique challenge. You have no control over it,and there was nothing I could do to prepare for it as I had no idea what I was about to go through, he said. There’s something scary about that, but also strangely empowering.

Leslie’s experience highlights the vulnerability and authenticity at the heart of “POV.” The lack of preparation forces actors to tap into their instincts, creating a performance that’s both genuine and unpredictable.

The Mechanics of Meta-Theater

The show’s structure is intentionally slippery. Bub, played alternately by Edith Whitehead and Mabelle Rose, explains the concept to the audience before directing her adult co-stars in a series of scenes. She often films the action, with live camera feeds and pre-recorded footage displayed on monitors, adding layers of artifice to the performance.

This blend of live performance and cinematic techniques creates a dynamic and engaging experience for the audience. It’s like watching a high-wire act, where the risk of the unknown adds to the thrill.

Deeper Themes: Mental Health and Family Dynamics

Beneath the surface of improvisation and meta-theater, “POV” delves into profound themes. the parents’ reluctance to participate in Bub’s documentary reveals the mother’s struggles with mental health, a topic the father avoids discussing.This dynamic exposes the complexities of adult-child relationships and the challenges of communicating about mental health.

To put adult performers in that vulnerable position, where they’re unrehearsed, mirrors the way in which you’re unprepared, as a parent, to talk to your kid when crises happen.
Mark Rogers, Playwright

Rogers’ words underscore the show’s intention to mirror real-life experiences. The actors become proxies for the audience, prompting reflection on how we navigate challenging conversations and scenarios in our own lives.

The Genesis of “POV”: Personal Experiences

“POV” was born from Rogers’ anxieties about parenthood and his conversations with director Solomon Thomas about growing up with a mother with bipolar disorder.Thomas initially hesitated to expose this part of his life,but eventually shared his experiences,enriching the play with authenticity.

For a while the play was just about this fictional family who had a mum who was going through depression.And then we kind of chipped away at it, and slowly I began to feed Mark parts of my life.
Solomon thomas, Director

The inclusion of Edie Whitehead, one of the actors playing Bub, was also crucial. Rogers recalls, As soon as we saw her in the space with the camera, Sol and I just looked at each other and were like, ‘This is it.’ We were extremely lucky to find Edie.

Emotional Impact: Catharsis and Connection

The unrehearsed nature of “POV” often leads to powerful emotional moments. Leslie recounted a performance where he became deeply moved by a monologue, prompting him to jump up and down to avoid crying. In another instance, the actor playing Bub’s mom burst into tears.

Whitehead’s perspective on these moments is insightful. I actually really liked it because it meant that they were really listening to the show and experiencing being that mum or dad.I thought that was really cool.

“POV” offers a unique theatrical experience that’s both entertaining and emotionally resonant. By placing actors in vulnerable positions and exploring complex themes, the show creates a space for catharsis and connection, reminding us of the power of theater to reflect and illuminate our lives.