Today I was lucky enough to see one of the few performances of the limited run of HOLE by the San Francisco Neo-Futurists, a local experimental theater group.
The first step once you have tickets is a small adventure: you’re only provided the exact location a couple days in advance. All I can say is that it’s at a beach in San Francisco and very easy to get to on Muni.
After checking in at a tent on the beach you can sit wherever you like in the area in front of the speakers.
The show starts with four main characters who’ve already decided to dig a hole. Before grabbing their shovels, a clip from Head Like a Hole by Nine Inch Nails starts playing which they dance along with.
(Could that coincidentally serve as foreshadowing for an upcoming blog post? Hmmm…)
Soon they begin digging an increasing large hole in the sand, pontificating on the nature of the hole as they go about it. We’re introduced to a fifth character as well as a volunteer from the audience, and the entire audience is given an option to follow two actors as they walk down the beach.
I get the feeling there’s a fair amount of improv involved considering the nature of performing at a public beach with notoriously unpredictable weather. It happened to be warm today, but that also made way for chaos — hoards of beachgoers including people with dogs, kite flyers, and several groups using the fire pits.
I’m trying not to spoil too much here but I found it enjoyable, laugh out loud hilarious at times, if relatively short at about 75 minutes. It does get off to a slow start but it evolves into a sillier and faster-paced show as the hole grows.
My recommendation: HOLE is filled (pun intended) with humorous observations, indulgent philosophy, and audience participation elements. Bring sunscreen, a folding beach chair or something else comfortable to sit on, and a bottle of water. Limited snacks and beverages are provided.
Tickets can be purchased on the Eventbrite page if still available. More shows may be added in the future.
