Buntport refers to mythology in story about summer camp
A scene in the woods appears as lights go up on “Greetings from Camp Katabasis,” with a small tent, trees and shrubbery, boulders, a little stream and a couple of guys sitting in chairs, talking. A whistle blows and it’s the camp counselor, (a loud, emphatic Hannah Duggan) in life jacket and carrying a paddle. “Now, campers …” She talks awhile about canoeing safely, the near certainty of overturning — and decides these guys probably shouldn’t attempt it.
“Don’t go near the water,” she advises as she leaves the scene. Eric Edborg as the mostly relaxed doofus and Brian Colonna, the nervous fellow, who is prepared for every emergency, with sunscreen, insecticide, flashlights, etc. — in his tent — and a plastic, life-sized Resusci Annie used widely for practicing CPR. She sits silently in another chair between Colonna and the tent — and enters into the storyline later!
The campfire plugs in!
Are these two consigned to some sort of hell — or just a stay in the woods?
Edborg finds a feather as the mismatched pair contemplate nature. (Katabasis, in mythology, can mean a trip to the underworld and back. This spot in the woods with poorly matched companions would be a form of underworld for many!)
Duggan reappears with whistle and talks brightly about hiking. “Stay on dry land,” she commands.
With talk about their “journey,” Edborg speculates about a meteor shower the first week, then goes for a walk and meets a bear. “Everything’s harder here,” Colonna’s wimpy guy whines. He suggests singing “99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall.”
“I’m reading a book that was on the New York Times best-seller list,” Edborg replies. “What am I supposed to do while you read a book from New York?” Colonna whines. In addition to the mythological references, the audience members may chuckle over some unfortunate summer camp memories of their own — and/or find additional references to Greek or Roman mythology.
The cast continues talking non-stop, and laughs are frequent in the audience as silly/clever lines continue unabated. Colonna gets in a bit of CPR practice with Annie and catches a fish. Messages from the loud counselor continue. Where are we anyhow?
Buntport Ensemble’s unique form of literary goofiness provides a delightful way to spend an evening. This is the third journey into mythological realms this spring.
The program promises a reprise of the very clever “Middle Aged People in Boxes” to start the next season. Looking forward to that!
-Sonya Ellingboe, May 23, 2016, littletonindependent.net