Leap into a Surreal World with Imago Theatre’s Frogz

Satire. Mischief. Larger than life … frogs?

Imago Theatre’s production of Frogz is a hilarious, innovative and surreal performance featuring a menagerie of larger-than-life creatures – some amphibious and some amorphous. This mask theater menagerie will take the stage at Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall on Friday, Feb. 27, at 7:30 p.m. for a family performance. The venue is located in the Philips Memorial Building on the corner of University Avenue and High Street.

Many cultures use masked performers to tell stories, from Bali to Native Americans, from Africa and Italy to the Noh and Kabuki theatre of Japan. Building on those sources, Imago Theater interprets stories with both real and surreal characters, clever choreography and endearing gestures.

Imago Theatre began as an exclusively mask theater in 1979 in the Pacific Northwest led by artistic directors Carol Triffle and Jerry Mouawad, who have been called alchemists, magicians, theatrical animators and physical comedians. Based in Portland, Ore., the troupe has developed its repertoire to include contemporary adaptations of classics as well as experimental and innovative performances of original works. The performers take to heart a George Santayana quote from Soliloquies in England and Later Soliloquies: “Masks are arrested expressions and admirable echoes of feeling, at once faithful, discreet and superlative.”

In 2001, Frogz had a two-week run on Broadway, and from 2005 to 2007, enjoyed an extended season along with No Exit, another Imago Theatre performance, at the Tony Award-winning American Repertory Theater.

Tickets range from $10 to $20, and can be purchased online here or by phone by calling 610-436-2266, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.