Pilobolus's Rules @ Play, the Virtual Edition

Throughout life we all encounter rules, and we usually view them negatively. Rules @ Play explores how rules actually present opportunities in order to solve problems and overcome challenges. — Pilobolus

For Pilobolus, the idea of “rules” was a jumping off point in creating a theme, just like in a book, as a means of tying a group of dances together to create a performance, in this case, the one you are about to see.

So, let’s start at the beginning. We’re pretty sure you know what the word “play means” but what exactly are rules?

According to Merriam Webster, rules are a prescribed guide for conduct or action; an accepted procedure, custom, or habit. The Cambridge Dictionary adds that a rule is an accepted principle or instruction that states the way things are or should be done, and tells you what you are or not allowed to do.

Closer to “home,” you may have rules you adhere to. If a game you like to play, like tag, has no rules, there is no game. Rules can provide the structure in which you can create the fun. . And therein lies the “ah ha” moment; for Pilobolus, creating rules that may appear to constrain an idea, became the perfect challenge for their collective creativity and the overarching theme for this performance.

Next, as part of this collaborative and creative process, Pilobolus went looking for examples where rules or constraints turned thought or action into something positive, something to serve as a catalyst for their collective creativity. In Leonardo DaVinci (1452- 1519), the inventor and artist, they considered this quote: “Art lives in constraint and dies in freedom.” The musician and composer, Igor Stravinsky (1882 – 1971), had these words for the company to consider: “My freedom will be so much the greater and more meaningful the more narrowly I limit my field of action and the more I surround myself with obstacles.” Then they turned to Dr. Seuss (1904 – 1991), the author of “The Cat in the Hat,” who made a bet with one of his publishers, that he could write an entire book with only 50 words. That’s how “Green Eggs and Ham” came to be.

They also considered historical events for inspiration. For example, in 1970, engineers at the Houston Space Station were faced with a potential tragedy; an explosion on board Apollo 13 caused the spacecraft to lose oxygen, electricity, light, and water 200,000 miles from planet Earth. Their collective creativity and ingenuity saved the lives of the astronauts on board by figuring out a way to bring them and the craft safely back to earth.

Pilobolus now had both an idea and a theme; create a series of dances where a rule is set forth, which may constrain some element of their art form, but ultimately, results in a piece that is both fun and playful.

Then, just for good measure, they added one more rule: they had to connect with you, the audience. Often, when you come to the theatre for a performance, the performers are on the stage, and you sit facing them. That invisible wall, often referred to as the “fourth wall,” separates those two worlds. In Rules @ Play, the company bent and stretched this rule, by not only interacting with you, but also presenting an opportunity, or two, to collaborate with them.

Now, sit back, and read about the dances, and the rules upon which they were formed, in Pilobolus’ Rules @ Play.