There seem to be two categories of streaming entertainment that are proving very popular. One is staged readings of plays. The other is a performance by a magicians, illusionist and/or mentalist. Scott Silven’s The Journey, which begins tonight through The Broad Stage in Santa Monica, falls into the latter category.
From his home in Scotland, Silven tells a story that may or may not be fictional. As he weaves this tale he involves audience members to share personal objects, important dates and more. All that information not only feeds individual sequences as the story unfolds, but results in a rather surprising conclusion (which ends after Silven leaves the stage, so don’t think because he’s gone the show is over.)
Silven is a very skilled storyteller. The show, which runs about an hour, feels like you are in the hands of the best possible storyteller who also happens to be a mentalist.
What is a mentalist? Oxford Dictionary defines it as “a magician who performs feats that apparently demonstrate extraordinary mental powers, such as mind-reading.” They also offer a secondary definition, from British slang, that says a mentalist can be “an eccentric or mad person.” Silven is neither eccentric nor mad, but he does play with your mind in surprising ways.
The prelude to the show features gorgeous images of a rugged landscape (presumably somewhere in rural Scotland). There is first class photography employed throughout The Journey. Silven’s use of technology taking us through his show is impressive. I did wonder, however, if some of that technology served to hide some of his surprises.
Only 30 people can watch The Journey at each performance. I recommend that if you choose to see The Journey, you do so by using headphones. The soundscape (by Gareth Fry) and music (by Jherek Bischoff) are best served with them.
Tickets are $65.
Photo: Scott Silven (Photo by David Wilkinson/Courtesy The Broad Stage)