It's been a long time since St. Louis had a large group of immigrants arrive in a relatively short period of time. We've certainly had them before, the Germans, for instance, and the Italians. But that was several generations back, and for most of the area, the arrival of Bosnians has been a new experience. Or perhaps it hasn't been an experience at all. For many people it's outside their daily or even monthly lives, something to read about, perhaps, or vaguely remember.
That alone is a good reason to see Bosnian/American: The Dance of Life. Written by Deanna Jent and presented by Mustard Seed Theatre, it's their current show, offering a look at the immigrant experience right here in the Gateway City. Gleaned from interviews done for Fontbonne University's Bosnia Memory Project, it looks at what life was like during the conflict, the process of immigration and how the young ones who came and then grew up here have experienced life.
Sound stodgy? Not nearly. This a fast-moving montage back and forth in time and back and forth between reality, memory and and fable/metaphor. They pack in a great deal for their 55 minutes. There's a little music from Amir Salesevic to start things off gently and then the whirl begins. Families under stress, armed militia, a dead-serious "Who Do You Trust?" game, seemingly endless plane trips, and then life in St. Louis. Oh, and sheep. Delightful, occasionally funny, then serious sheep. For those who have followed the news over the years, perhaps the most interesting parts are those devoted to the children who arrive and go into the schools here.
Three of the cast are newcomers, or almost, to the stage, Salesevic, Elvedin Arnautovic, and Arnela Bogdanic, and they acquit themselves with considerable honor. Melissa Gerth, like most of the cast, has more than one role, in this case, the primary lamb and a mother. Her dancing is a feature, nicely done. Andrew Kuhlman excels as the wolf – who is definitely not wearing sheeps' clothing – menacing even behind a mask. The group works very well as an ensemble, and much credit to director Adam Flores for that, and the excellent pacing.
Last weekend, the play opened with two performances at Grbic Restaurant's banquet hall, and now is at Fontbonne's Fine Arts Theatre. Set designer Kyra Bishop has clearly taken Grbic as her model; the set is an homage to that interior, which was designed and built by the family who owns the restaurant. And watch the stained glass; it's part of the story.
This is a play that could, and probably should, be seen by groups around town, schools, clubs, that sort of thing. I hope it lives on.
Bosnian/American: The Dance for Life
through May 1
Mustard Seed Theatre
314-719-8060