SALT LAKE CITY, UT—There’s nothing quite like watching a new work premiere, and as a reviewer, few things excite me more than experiencing fresh, original productions. Despite my hectic summer, I knew I had to make time to review at least one show at the Fringe Festival. I’m grateful to Footpath Theatre Company for accommodating my schedule and fitting me into their final performance. Thank you, Footpath Theatre Company!
Western Minerals and their Origins was written and produced in about three weeks for the Fringe Festival, as Connor Johnson mentioned in an interview with Front Row Reviewers.
The play blends the mystique of the desert with a deeply introspective narrative, using imaginative storytelling and innovative theatrical techniques. This journey is not just physical but also metaphorical, exploring the mind, time, and our connection to the earth and its ancient formations. The narrative’s psychedelic nature, oscillating between reality and surrealism, invites the audience to consider the alluring yet dangerous draw of nature’s treasures.
Set in 1995, the story follows a young woman named Ari as she searches for the Leopard Beryl. This quest is both physical and metaphorical, exploring the mind, time, and our relationship with the earth. The play definitely has elements that remind me of Jumanji, blending adventure with a surreal exploration of the natural world.
The cast—Jessica Graham, Connor Johnson, and Harrison Lind—delivers nuanced and powerful performances. Each actor portrays distinct characters from different timelines and realities, yet they merge seamlessly within the story. The trio embodies archetypal roles without falling into clichés, creating characters that feel both familiar and refreshingly original.
The production’s minimalistic set design is a standout feature. Despite its simplicity, the set effectively conjures the stark and awe-inspiring landscape of the Redrock desert. Subtle details, like an old yellow light casting a haunting glow, enhance the atmosphere. The dark lighting emphasizes the solitude and mystery of the setting, drawing the audience deeper into the story.
A unique aspect of the performance is the use of blindfolds toward the end, where audience members are asked to cover their eyes as Ari nears the end of her journey. This choice is effective in heightening the sensory experience, though it might be more impactful if the blindfolds are removed sooner, as some moments feel overly prolonged.
The absence of microphones adds to the raw, intimate feel of the performance, allowing the actors’ voices to resonate naturally with the audience. The music score, composed by Lind and performed with local musician Max Bastiani, is another highlight. Additionally, the detailed soundtrack enriches the atmosphere.
One of the most impressive elements of the production is the innovative use of a large plank of wood draped with cloth to depict Ari’s descent into the canyon. Graham’s performance as Ari is particularly striking as she carefully climbs over the plank while Johnson and Harrison lift it higher into the air. The careful choreography creates a convincing illusion of Ari’s perilous descent.
Ari’s costume—jean shorts and a white T-shirt with neon writing—perfectly captures the essence of someone growing up in the ’90s, grounding the character in the play’s setting. Johnson, as William K. Wagley, a geology professor, nails the British accent. And Lind, as Leo Spalding, a cowboy/explorer from the past, completes the oddly perfect trio.
The theater itself adds to the immersive experience. The space is incredibly hot, almost as if by design, making the audience relate to the desert heat and Ari’s impending thirst. This environmental choice enhances the play’s atmosphere, though it sometimes borders on uncomfortable.
However, the production is not without its flaws. There are a few holes in the plot—most notably how Ari survives a deadly flash flood. While the story’s surreal nature allows for some suspension of disbelief, moments like this pull me out of the narrative.
Overall, Western Minerals and Their Origins is a compelling exploration of the intersection between geology, memory, and human desire. The combination of solid performances, creative set design, and an evocative score makes it a standout piece of fringe theatre. While there are a few elements that could be refined, it’s a journey worth taking—especially for those intrigued by the hidden depths of the natural world and the stories it holds.
Western Minerals and Their Origins is presented by Footpath Theatre Company and created by @uofutheatre alumni Connor Nelis Johnson, Harrison Lind, and Jessica Graham.
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